The first American Muslim romantic comedy film made by American Muslim women debuts in late May after almost a decade of hard work from University of Florida telecommunications lecturer Iman Zawahry and her partner, Aizzah Fatima.
It s called Americanish, and it follows the stories of two sisters, Sam and Maryam, and their cousin, Ameera, as the three marriage-aged women navigate the complexities of romance, culture, careers, education and family in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. I m just over the moon, Zawahry said. Being able to tell a story that we [American Muslim women] are all of these identities that the next generation can see really means the world to me.
Iman Zawahry says the film dispels the stereotype of the docile, obedient Muslim woman
Lawrence Yee | May 11, 2021 @ 11:00 AM
In the upcoming romantic comedy “Americanish,” three young women are looking for love in New York City.
It’s a familiar plot, but “Americanish” adds a new perspective to the genre by centering on a trio of American Muslim women in Queens.
Here’s the description of the film: “This loving comedy follows the joys and tribulations of career-driven sisters Sam and Maryam Khan and their cousin Ameera, who moves to New York City with one purpose: to find a Pakistani American Doctor to marry. While highlighting a relatable and endearing storyline and offering a fresh perspective on classic rom-com tropes, the film delves head-on into the complexity of trying to both honor and break from cultural traditions while balancing personal values and career goals in a society that does not always accommodate both.”