Rooftop Films presents New Muslim Cool June 20, 2009

New Muslim Cool (Jennifer Maytorena Taylor | Pittsburgh/San Francisco | 1:22:00)
Puerto Rican American rapper Hamza Pérez ended his life as a drug dealer 12 years ago, and started down a new path as a young Muslim. Now he’s moved to Pittsburgh’s tough North Side to start a new religious community, rebuild his shattered family, and take his message of faith to other young people through his uncompromising music as part of the hip-hop duo M-Team. But when the FBI raids his mosque, Hamza must confront the realities of the post-9/11 world.

Whatever his troubles in years past, Hamza now displays an ethereal calm in the face of conflict, and his sense of peace lends New Muslim Cool an atmosphere uncommon in contemporary urban documentaries. Investigated and arrested by the FBI, falsely portrayed in the media as a terrorist, barred from his work with prison inmates, raising his two kids as a single dad, Hamza has ample reason to grow frustrated or to lash out at the world. But his trust in his faith has transformed him into a strong and patient individual, able to lead by example on the North Side and guide his family and friends to better, more spiritual, more peaceful and more productive lives.

Jennifer Maytorena Taylor’s New Muslim Cool takes viewers on Hamza’s ride through the streets, projects and jail cells of urban America, and inside the lives of a new generation of Latino and African American Muslims who have followed the example of Malcolm X and other converts to Islam and set out jointly on a mission to reach out to the disenfranchised neighborhoods in America’s inner-cities. Hamza and his community hope to reach out to the most troubled members of their adopted city, welcoming the drug dealers into conversation and working as spiritual counselors in local prisons. Sharing their hip hop music and bringing their life experiences to the table, Hamza and his crew are able to speak to the people about their frustrations and problems in a voice that is easy for them to relate to, allowing them to open up and consider realistic alternatives to the lifestyles that have landed them on the streets or in jail.

Following Hamza’s spiritual journey takes us to some surprising places as we are reminded that spirituality and religious communities can still play a central role in the rejuvenation of America’s inner cities.

Venue: On the roof of El Museo Del Barrio
Address: 1230 Fifth Ave. @ 104th St. (East Harlem)
Directions: 6 to 103rd St. or 2/3 to 110th St.
Rain: In the event of rain, show will be indoors at the same location
8:00PM: Doors open
8:30PM: Sound Fix presents live music by Nutria NN ( www.myspace.com/nutriamusical)
9:00PM: Film
11:00PM-12:30AM: After-party on the roof: Open bar courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner
Tickets: $9-$25 at door or online

Presents in partnership with Remezcla, POV, Cinereach, New York magazine, El Museo Del Barrio, the New York City Council Manhattan Delegation & City Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito

No refunds. In the event of rain, the show will be indoors at the same locations. Seating is first come, first served. Physical seats are limited. This means you may not get a chair. You are welcome to bring a blanket and picnic.