The goal of this conversation is to take diversity beyond the niceness of multiculturalism and inclusion, and to focus on how full equity can revitalize and transform systems and societies.
Category Archives: Projects
I’ve always described myself as an activist filmmaker. The desire to illuminate stories from the periphery, to create dialogue, challenge pieties, and disturb oppressive systems is why I became a filmmaker. Community projects, where diverse groups of people congregate, exchange ideas and transform one another, are also a form of art. Here are some recent projects I’ve been involved in.
Connections: Discussing the diversity advantage
The Gandhi Institute is preparing to host a program about the “diversity advantage” — how society benefits when inclusion transforms into full equality.
Kundiman is a national organization based in NYC, which was inspired by Cave Canem, and which supports and promotes the work of Asian American writers. Kundiman Northeast will hold its first western New York reading at the wonderful Spirit Room.
Connections: Discussing satire, and the controversy surrounding the cartoon of Serena Williams
An Australian political cartoonist created an image of Serena Williams stomping on her racket; her features were exaggerated and a pacifier was at her feet. Cartoonist Mark Knight and his defenders called it satire; others called it racist and sexist.
This event at Gallery 74 is an artistic exploration of anti-Muslim racism, which is on the rise in the United States and beyond. It is an event of “At the Crossroads: Activating the Intersection of Art and Justice” presented by 21st Century Arts in collaboration with Mara Ahmed of Neelum Films.
Join a fascinating panel discussion featuring women immigrants who have made a positive difference in Rochester.
Readings by Pakistani novelist Uzma Aslam Khan and Indian American writer Sejal Shah on January 19th at the University of Rochester, followed by screenings of films directed by Ajay Bhardwaj and Mara Ahmed on January 20th at the Indian Community Center.
Dr. Maya Haber, from Partners for Progressive Israel, talks about “Muslim-Jewish Solidarity: Resisting the Occupation and Islamophobia Together” at the Islamic Center of Rochester.
Honored to speak at the Equality Rally for Unity and Pride here in Rochester. A beautiful rally on a gorgeous day. Photographs by Sarita Arden © Neelum Films LLC
Rally against anti-Semitism at Twelve Corners, Rochester, NY. We are united in our fight against hate and bigotry.
Frederick Douglass’s 199th Birthday
The #ROCDouglass Consortium presents a celebration of the 199th anniversary* of Frederick Douglass’ birth on February 14, 2017 -at his gravesite in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, New York.
Thousands of people at the People’s Solidarity Rally in Rochester today. So honored to speak and so moved by the response to my call for a radical feminism.
