MASHOUF.tv

WE'VE MOVED!

2011-06-08T14:39:00.002-07:00

Head over to the new site.. ENJOY

The Diatribes of a Dying Tribe

2011-04-22T23:05:00.004-07:00

Newest project from Narcy: Buy the book here.

"Diatribe of a Dying Tribe is about the jumbled reality of North American life. The destructive components of juxtaposing cultures, the birth of immigrant internationality and the resilient art that comes out of struggle and oppression.

It is the story of four young Arab men who joined forces to create their own representative governing meeting. Excentrik, Ragtop, Omar Offendum & the Narcicyst spent two weeks in California and endless hours on a computer crafting the Fear of an Arab Planet; an examination of the heightened anxiety towards Islam, the Oriental gaze towards the Arab face and the ever-growing paranoia of the ‘other’, all over some bangin’ beats to rock to. As a post-analytical view of the making of an album, this book serves as a document on the burgeoning Arab poetry scene, and how the two mother cultures of a migrant society coalesced through a modern hyper-culture called Hip-Hop. From TSA agents to ABC rappers, The Arab Summit were on a mission to be heard… and that is exactly what happened."

AUDIO: Spring Movements

2011-03-22T10:33:00.002-07:00

Spring Movements by mashouf

Track produced by EQ

DOWNLOAD HERE

Spring Movements

2011-03-20T06:30:00.003-07:00

Inspired by the uprisings occurring in the cradles of civilization, this film is an ode to movements striving to reclaim their dignity and sovereignty from their keepers.

As the seeds of spring begin to harvest, the earth purges herself of winter.

Credits:
Director/ Producer
Justin Mashouf

Dancers:
Kian Khiaban

Justin Mashouf

Cinematography/ Editor:
Dustin Shepard

Motion Graphics and Illustration:
Ehsaan Mesghali

Music:
EQ- Robert Diaz

This project was produced in an effort to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Middle East and North Africa who are demanding their right to be heard.

Repost from AslanMedia: Warring Factions Review

2011-03-14T11:49:00.003-07:00

Dancing on a Tightrope: Justin Mashouf’s Documentary, “Warring Factions”

Kashif Ghazanfar, Aslan Media Music Editor

Despite the fact that my own attempts at “b-boying” (Breakdancing) have proven to be a series of catastrophic gyrations that exist somewhere between a spasm and accidental vulgarity, it is a form of dance and movement that’s always amazed and impressed me. Emerging from the urban streets of America, b-boying is raw and powerful, yet, incredibly artful and athletic in it’s execution. Justin Mashouf is one such example and his documentary, “The Warring Factions” is not only infused with electrifying scenes of him and others b-boying, but it is also an incredibly thoughtful exploration on his identity as a Muslim daring to dance across two cultures and traditions seemingly at odds with one another.

To be sure, this is no ordinary Muslim and no ordinary American. Initially, one is struck by the juxtaposition of his light brown hair and fair complexion with his strong, abiding faith in Islam. Mashouf’s mother is an American and his father is an Iranian. Neither of his parents are religious and, yet, Islam seems to be central focus for Mashouf and his emerging sense of identity. In “Warring Factions,” Mashouf deals with an array of complexities concerning how to define himself amid various competing ideas of faith and culture. Quite often these complexities are not explicitly stated but, rather, understood as one absorbs the film.

Amid the various scenes of b-boying in America and in Iran, Mashouf’s documentary attempts to dispel the stereotypes Muslims and Iranians face amid the current political climate in America, so suffused with vitriol against them. His own experiences as an adolescent in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy serve as a kind of genesis for his story and informs his passionate defense of both Muslims and Iranians.

Clearly, the entertainment highlight of the film is the various scenes of b-boying. The wild athleticism and grace involved in b-boying are framed by the inherent sense of kinship and community the dancers feel for one another. As Mashouf steps into the surrounding circles of his peers to dance, amid the raucous cheers and encouraging shouts of his fellow dancers from a myriad of faiths and ethnic backgrounds, his dancing transforms into an act of faith itself and, at least for moment, he’s freed from the vexing questions of who he ought to be. He becomes, instead, who he is.

The Story of Simorgh and Rostam

2011-02-13T18:54:00.001-07:00

hip hop as resistance: #Jan25 Egypt

2011-02-11T01:55:00.001-07:00

download

Research Reel #1: Saalik

2011-02-04T07:14:00.001-07:00

This is a short research reel for the currently untitled project I am working on about Muslims in the US prison system. I chose to upload this interesting conversation I had with Saalik Mustafa after Friday prayer held on the Southside of Chicago.

Indie Film Project: David

2011-01-17T19:25:00.004-07:00

"David" trailer from Joel Fendelman on Vimeo.

“David” tells the story of Daud, an eleven year old Muslim boy growing up in Brooklyn. As the son of the Imam of the local mosque, he has to juggle his father’s high expectations, the dynamics of a conservative family, and being different – even from his peers in the Muslim community.

Through an innocent act of good faith, Daud inadvertently befriends a group of Jewish boys who mistake him for being Jewish and accept him as one of their own. While working together on a summer project, a genuine friendship is formed between Daud and Yoav, one of the Jewish boys. Unable to resist the joy of a camaraderie that he has never felt before, David, as he is known to the Jewish boys, gets drawn into a complicated situation that is based upon both the best of intentions, and youthful deceit.

When the Jewish boys discover that Daud has lied to them, his world is shattered, and he is left alone, struggling to come to terms with his place in the world.

via Indie GOGO page

Future Shock (1972)

2011-01-12T17:00:00.003-07:00

"A chemistry professor recently stated that he couldn’t pass today’s examinations because at least two thirds of the questions require knowledge that didn’t exist when he graduated from Oxford in the early 30s.”

Read more: http://j.mp/f2I9n8

Jesus in Islamic Traditions

2010-12-25T20:51:00.007-07:00

Jesus Teaches the People by the Sea (James Tissot 1886-1896)

Jesus said, “Who would build a house on the waves of the sea? This world is that house, so you should not take it as a dwelling.”

(Bihar al Anwar)

It is reported that the disciples were the followers of Jesus. Whenever they were hungry they said, “O Ruh of Allah! We are hungry.” Then Jesus would hit his hands on the ground and he would bring out two loaves of bread for each of them. Whenever they were thirsty they said, “O Ruh of Allah! We are thirsty.” Then Jesus would hit his hands on the ground, and brought out water and they drank from it. They asked, “O Ruh of Allah! Who is better than we? Whenever we want we are given food, and whenever we want water is given to us. We have faith in you and follow you.” Jesus said, “Better than you are those who work with their hands and eat from what they earn.” After this incident the disciples washed clothes by the stream and ate from their wages.”

(Bihar al Anwar)

The Apostles said to Jesus ‘O Ruh of Allah! With whom should we keep company?’ He said, "The one who the sight of whom reminds you of Allah, the speech of whom increases your knowledge, and the works of whom make you desirous of the next world.”

(Al Kafi)

Muslim Inmate Project: Chicago Update

2010-12-07T12:26:00.011-07:00

photo by: Faiz Zuberi

I just completed 5 days of shooting in the notorious South side of Chicago for my current film on Muslims in the US prison system. Running camera for our 5 day shoot was Dillon Schneider of Reel Big Films and Matthew Rivera who did a great job at working on their feet. The main focus of my filming was around a transitional house (a house where ex-offenders live after prison but before completely re-entering society) and a job training program for Muslim ex-offenders. The transitional house coined “Project Restore” was initiated by a Muslim led community organization called the Inner-city Muslim Action Network (IMAN). Project Restore is an effort to quell the high recidivism rate of mostly black males in Chicago whose daily struggles tempt them right back into prison. The program starts with a focus on faith and self discipline for those who qualify for the program while they are finishing their sentences.

video still: Matthew Justin Rivera

I had the honor to spend time with Rafi Peterson, one of the project's founders who currently lives in the small three bedroom house. The Project Restore house offers an environment that adheres to an Islamic lifestyle complete with a designated prayer room and a no tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs, profanity, and sexual promiscuity. Project Restore residents are encouraged to serve the community of the South side and to become leaders in disarming the areas various gangs through an organization called Cease Fire. The Project Restore house's basement has become a space where the residents have organized local gang interventions to stop the violence between what they call the neighborhoods' “warring tribes.”

video still: Matthew Justin Rivera

Each resident is given a full time job working for “Project Green Re-entry” which trains those in the program in green home construction and renovation. From sustainable and recycled building materials, to energy efficient appliances and plumbing, the crew of Project Green Re-entry are learning the newest construction practices for job skills that are in high demand. Currently the project is busy in renovating a home that will serve as a second home for more Project Restore residents, which will be a living space for 6.

photo by: Faiz Zuberi

The current residents of the Project Restore house, Hassan and Taqi, will serve as the new administrators of the second house. Everyone I met affiliated with the program were truly inspiring people and in my opinion are some of the greatest examples of Muslims in America. Their sincere desire to help others like them and those in their community is nothing short of amazing. After living their lives behind bars they are eager to return to the same dangerous neighborhoods from which they came in order to dismantle the structures and the pressures that lead them to crime.

photo by: Faiz Zuberi

I am not exaggerating when I say I have never seen so many funeral homes in the same 5 mile radius in my life. We were told that the area sees a multitude of violent crimes everyday and we witnessed the result of funerals almost on every block. This year alone we were told that over 10 Chicago police officers have been killed and in some cases directly targeted by the violence in the area.

photo by: Faiz Zuberi

As a part of the project, I am collecting video messages from Muslim ex-offenders that I meet on the outside and I hope to share these messages with those I am in contact with on the inside, building a support system between the two.

photo by: Dillon Schneider

The community of Muslim ex-offenders we spoke to at projects Restore and Green Re-entry are people I will never forget and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to document their unique story for my current project.

Dipdiving

2010-11-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Assorted Pakistan Photos

2010-10-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

Shopping for wifie

Murad rockin the Pashtun hat

The SABA girls work on their reading every morning.

Murad and Liaqat, AKA Pindi's Speed Demon

Planting trees in the SABA Homes garden

Saba Girls

2010-10-06T09:38:00.001-07:00

It has been a blessing to spend time with the orphan girls here who have made me dance for them on many occasions. They seem to enjoy making Murad sing Indian songs he remembers from his childhood and insisting we learn their own style of patty-cake. In the way that they are cared for here, it is hard to call these girls orphans. The 26 girls live in a beautiful building with a large courtyard, library, multiple classrooms, as well as a "pray and play" room. Their two room mothers look over each room of 6 that is furnished with unique bedding for each girl. The girls attend private school about ten minutes away from their home but receive private tutoring sessions after school from teachers who come to SABA Homes.

These are a few portraits we took of the girls.

SABA Girls Karate Class

2010-10-04T09:15:00.001-07:00

We filmed the SABA Girls last week during their karate class. The 26 orphan girls practice Shotokan karate and even get taught how to use the staff and train with a pair of really hard metal nunchucks.

They may look cute but they will not hesitate to knock you out. ;)

Flooded Village (Continued)

2010-10-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

We were led through the interior of the village after nightfall. Many of the residents are living in tents and structures with dirt floors. These images are all stills taken from HD video on a netbook so the choice of video frames is fairly arbitrary.

Flooded Village

2010-10-02T06:38:00.008-07:00

These are photos and video stills from the village of Deldar Gundri on the bank of the Kabul river. Their village was devastated by the flooding. Many of the homes were destroyed, along with their school. We visited last week to film Saba Trust handing out food supplies and clothing. Along for the ride were a few people from the Church of Latter-day Saints who were doing research on flood effected areas as well as evaluating the need of organizations serving flood victims.

Kids were rushing the van for food and clothes. We had to drive into a walled area to unload the food supplies so there would be less crowding.

Pakistan in Photos (so far)

2010-09-24T10:13:00.005-07:00

Filming the SABA orphan girls at a park in Islamabad.

A baby enjoying the monkey show.
SABA girls watching the monkey show in the park.

In a bus on the way to Friday prayer.. game faces on.

Homie selling corn in Rawalpindi.

Lady with baby in a poor rural area an hour outside of Islamabad.

Murad with the kids at Wisdom House school in Channan, Pakistan.

On the Way to Islamabad

2010-09-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

We're in Dubai for a 2 hour layover on the way to Pakistan. We'll be flying to Islamabad to produce a short film on a girls school and orphanage in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. I'm traveling with fellow filmmaker Murad Yunus for the next 2 weeks.

We'll be posting photos from Pakistan in the days to come. Stay tuned...

Hamdulillah

2010-09-14T20:27:00.004-07:00

"To say 'Hamdulillah' is to be grateful for what one has.

The images of the past decades have cast a veil on our identity as a people. We, as international brothers and sisters, are now witness to injustice in real time. We watch our Wars in HD. Injustice is played in real time.

It is time for us to claim our faces back.

This video is a global collaborative effort by 10 photographers- from London to Lebanon, Cairo To Canada, Abu Dhabi to America- to create a portrait of the New Global Citizens. They are DJs, MCs, poets, architects, teachers, doctors, parents and children. Most of all they are people."

-Excerpt of YouTube description

Video directed by Ridwan Adhami

Namaze Eid

2010-09-11T22:51:00.008-07:00

via Wikipedia

...the holiday [Eid] celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan... Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centers, etc or at mosques. No adhan (Call to Prayer) or iqama (call) is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two rakaʿāt (units of prayer). The Eid prayer is followed by the khutbah (sermon) and then a supplication (dua) asking for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world.

Photos of Eid prayer, Islamic Education Center of Orange County 9/10/2010

Hashim Ali Alauddeen- Islam in America

2010-09-06T05:18:00.003-07:00

Hashim Ali Alauddeen briefly discusses the history of American Muslim movements in the context of the greater concept of Muslim American identity at a mini conference in Miami, Florida 7/2/2010.

Episode at Homeland Security Part 3

2010-08-28T16:10:00.001-07:00

Souvenir: Homeland Security seizure bag

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of receiving yet another special greeting into the US. I was returning from a 3 day vacation with my wife's family in Rosarito, Mexico, but my most memorable moments were spent with my hands behind my back being escorted by Homeland Security.

Upon reaching the border, the officer ran my passport number followed by a sigh of frustration, "oh boy," he said. The officer waved us over to a secondary inspection area. "Drive over to the right, but stay with me." I thought of speeding ahead a few feet as a joke but thought it wouldn't be the best of ideas. Practical jokes tend to be my reaction to tense situations. Thankfully, I have some restraint.

Waiting in our car, my wife and father-in-law were becoming a bit concerned. The night before we had a family discussion as to who would be driving with me through the border knowing that this might happen. Of the three cars of our group we figured my father-in-law was the champion of patience in addition to having a few hours to spend quality family time at the border.

San Ysidro Border Crossing (photo: otzberg)

As the first officer came to our car he told my father-in-law to take his feet off the dash and put his shoes on. I guessed we wouldn't be able to wait this one out in the car. A chubby Hispanic officer that looked like comedian Gabriel Iglesias with finger gloves told me to get out of the car and to put my hands behind my back. Upon doing so, the lack of the sound of clicking handcuffs was just as comforting as his saying, "you are not under arrest." I was told to lock my hands in the back where the officer held me tightly by my thumbs. As we walked to the holding area the officer asked me questions addressing me nervously as "boss."

"Have you ever had any problems at borders or ports of entry, boss?"

As I looked at the line of motorists slowly moving through the border crossing, I thought about the dramatic site of officers walking me with my hands behind my back trailed by my veiled wife and an older Middle Eastern man. I wondered if the passersby would tune into CNN when they got home to see if there was a new John Walker Lindh arrested at the US border. BREAKING NEWS: "Sue Myrick was right! Iranians infiltrating US border through Mexico."

The special hands-behind-the-back treatment was also limited to me. However, my wife and father-in-law were also escorted behind me by officers into the station.

As we walked passed the pedestrian border crossing I could overhear my wife talking casually to her escorting officer about Islam and Wahabism. The officer had apparently expressed disappointment in the the US media's portrayal of Muslims. We were taken into a holding area that resembled a DMV with what appeared to be Mexicans who were caught trying to enter the US without papers. The officers confiscated our personal items, wallets, etc and sealed them in official Homeland Security seizure bags. I was told to sit in a separate area from the rest but could see my father-in-law dozing off shortly after sitting with the rest of the men. My wife was told to sit with the women. She was later hushed for talking and told to look at the wall in front of her. I thought to myself that this was going to be more like high school detention than being processed at Guantanamo.

A change in shifts with the security officers became the cause of me moving from my special area to the general sitting area where I sat next to my father-in-law. He was earlier denied the request to retrieve his copy of 1984 from his confiscated baggage so he could pass the time reading and was fighting his urge to nod off now that I was next to him. My wife and I traded exaggerated smiles, trying to make the best of such a ridiculous situation.

A security officer I hadn't seen yet came into the room asking loudly to the other officers, "ARE THE IRANIANS STILL HERE?" I thought to myself, this is amazing.

Nefarious equestrian training on a Mexican beach

The Mexican man sitting next to me caved to his curiosity and asked me why I was there.

"Eres Americano?"
"Sí"
"Por que estas con nosotros?"

I explained to him that I was also Iranian and that since I visited Iran for the second time in 2008 I have had problems reentering the US. He didn't seem to understand why that mattered, so I had a lot to explain to him.

"Piensan que eres terrorista?"
"No se. Ojala que no"

An officer came around with a rolling cooler passing out warm carne asada burritos. "Excuse me, I checked the halal option" I wanted to say, but stayed quite and passed the burrito to my new friend. The security officers dug up some instant cream of tomato soup that held us over for the next two hours. We had been there since 2:30pm and it was now 5:30pm.

The officer who handled my unique case almost never stood up from behind his desk and assured me he would get us out of there "very soon." He awaited a phone call after sending in my info along with my explanation of why I had left the country, what I did in Mexico, and who I was with. Once the call came in we were escorted back to our car and let loose into the US. The collective time spent "interviewing" me took no longer than 10 minutes but our time spent in this bureaucratic knot in my record lasted 5 hours.

Despite all of my complaining, this could have been much worse. I can hardly wait for my next date with Homeland after my upcoming trip to Pakistan.

soldiers put it up, i can't get enough.. lovers put it up, i can't get enough

2010-08-21T12:49:00.002-07:00

Amir Sulaiman's set at Takin' It To The Streets was one of my favorites.. here's a clip from the upcoming concert documentary for Streets 2010.. props to endless eye productions for the video

The Reminders- I'll Be There

2010-08-06T08:59:00.003-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting The Reminders, a hip hop duo/couple from Colorado while in Chicago for Takin' It To The Streets. They just returned from a tour of Morocco where they performed and held hip hop workshops for local youth.

Their new single "I'll Be There" was part of the Streets 2010 mixtape and has been on heavy rotation in my iTunes for a minute now.

enjoy.

The Reminders- You Can Count on Me

Download link

Taking Indie Films To The Next Level

2010-07-27T12:02:00.007-07:00

The Yes Men have been doing there brand of social/environmental activism for over 10 years now. Their latest film "The Yes Men Fix The World" originally released in 2009 sets its sites on the internet marketplace of FREE. The film is using the new P2P site VODO to blast the film far and wide onto the wide array of bit torrent networks across the world. As I write this entry the film has received over 24,000 downloads in just 3 days of being available for download. Since the tracking of torrents isn't an exact science it is likely that the number of downloads is realistically twice as much as the tracker reports.

The P2P release of The Yes Men Fix The World is not only effective in taking the film to a global Internet sized audience but it directly engages each viewer to support the efforts of making more Yes Men films. While a vast number of viewers will enjoy the documentary free of charge, a decent percentage will feel inclined to give back $5-$25 and a smaller percentage will give up to $500 as a big pat on the back to the Yes Men and their cause.

With the whopping cost of distributing the film drifting close to $0.00 the money contributed to the film by viewers online is real, rather than the net profits the Yes Men are probably still waiting for from the original release of the film.

P2P models such as VODO are giving the net and audiences the first real glimpse at the potential future of DIY internet distribution. Big thanks to the Yes Men for dropping the film gratis and staying ahead of the curve of Internet distribution.

Mos Def at Streets 2010 - “As-Salaam-Alaikum" & "Wahid"

2010-07-23T19:42:00.003-07:00

The intro of Mighty Mos Def's set at Takin' It To The Streets 2010 was released today courtesy of Endless Eye Productions who will also be doing a full length concert DVD of the festival.

Enjoy.

IMAN's Taking It To The Streets

2010-07-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

(Omar Offendum, The Narcicyst, Mashouf -photo by: Leena Saleh)

I was blessed this last June to be a part of Takin' It To The Streets in Chicago.

Without saying more of what others have said about the event, it was a pleasure to be in the company with so many other Muslim artists. The festival was an amazing meeting of the minds as much as it was an arts festival. During the IMAN sponsored Friday prayer, Imam Talib reminded artists not to waver in their creativity because of allegations from some that what they do is considered illegitimate in Islam.

Imam Talib (photo by RidzDesign)

Imam Talib went on to say when the verse of the Quran "The Poets" was revealed, the Muslim poets of the time, what Imam Talib calls "The Salaf Rappers," approached the Prophet asking why God had sent revelation reprimanding them. The Prophet assured them that those "poets" who the verse is referring to are those who speak against truth and incite people to evil. The Prophet reminds his poets that the reprimand of the verse excludes "... those who believe, work righteousness, engage much in the remembrance of Allah, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked."

Poet Amir Sulaiman (photo by RidzDesign)

I'm encouraged and inspired by the message of preachers like Imam Talib who realize that hip hop is a legitimate form of expression and that the work of Muslim artists is something to be celebrated and supported rather than ostracized.

Warring Factions in Chicago June 13th!

2010-05-28T16:35:00.005-07:00

Warring Factions will be screening on Sunday June 13th in the Max Palevsky Cinema at University of Chicago as a part of the Salaam Film Festival sponsored by Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN).

The screening is part of the week long Streets 2010: Urban International Festival that ends on June 19th with Takin’ It to the Streets in Marquette Park, Chicago. Streets 2010 is anticipated to attract over 20,000 attendees.

More info here [LINK ]

Warring Factions Now In Torrent Form

2010-05-05T02:34:00.004-07:00

http://vodo.net/warringfactions

Warring Factions is now available in crunchy torrent form.. Get to sharing!

UA Screening + New Warring Factions Links

2010-04-21T17:08:00.006-07:00

photo: Jevon Tyrone

Last week was the Warring Factions screening at University of Arizona. The screening was well attended and I was glad to see a lot of old friends come out of the woodwork to see the film.

Surprisingly the Q & A after the film was the most provocative to date. Respect is due to the audience that challenges the filmmaker.

Additionally, Warring Factions has 2 new download links for the high and low resolution versions of the film. Let us know what you think.

http://WARRINGFACTIONS.com

Iowa Visit

2010-04-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

I recently returned home from Iowa where I was visiting Elijah, a friend I acquired through correspondence while he was serving time in a federal prison camp in South Dakota. We initially were introduced to each other by a Christian prison chaplain looking for answers to religious questions. The chaplain happened to find my email through the website of a Muslim student organization I was a part of in college. I started writing directly to Elijah for the next year and a half until he was released in July of 2008. I finally got to meet Elijah last week in his home state of Iowa. He currently works bending steel in a factory in Ames and visits his 3 young children in Des Moines on the weekends. Elijah is the first subject of research for my new project about Muslims in the prison system.

Stay tuned for more on this project.

FBI For Muslim Kids!

2010-04-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

There is a difference between community engagement and wholesale absurdity as displayed in the video below.

Making children "Junior Special Agents" with an official badge and all may seem like a good idea until they start calling in for backup when they hear their parents whispering to each other in Arabic or threaten to ground them for spying. Some may see this program as harmless education of an American intelligence agency but the FBI has a fairly tainted reputation with the American Muslim community. (See link 1, link 2, link 3)

Engaging the Muslim community should be done at the organizational level first with groups like CAIR and MPAC before any type of trust or working relationship can exist.

Iranian Bboy Hossein Battle

2010-04-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

Mashouf Norouz Message 1389

2010-03-21T23:11:00.001-07:00

Dourbin.net Celebrates the Best Photos of the Year

2010-03-16T10:17:00.005-07:00

LINK

Dourbin.net is looking for the best photos of the Iranian Year 1388. We can only imagine which images will make the cut. Send them your suggestions at Doorbin.net@gmail.com

Mashouf Reunites with JorDan in LA

2010-03-09T00:33:00.004-07:00

I met up with JorDan last week to talk about his premiere of My Father's Son at Cinequest Film Festival. Check out the video for a clip of the film.

The Hurt Locker: The (Mis)use of Sacred Muslim Symbols

2010-03-07T14:54:00.009-07:00

After watching Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker I felt it was necessary to write about what I found to be a careless use of sacred sound design. The Hurt Locker is an Oscar nominated film about a US army bomb disposal unit in Baghdad during the early stages of the US occupation of Iraq in 2004. The film contains various intense scenes encountering IEDs, car bombs, and explosive vests disarmed by the film's protagonist, a young die hard bomb expert Sergeant First Class William James.

My greatest criticism with The Hurt Locker is its inconspicuously (conspicuous for Muslims) offensive use of the Muslim call to prayer and the Quran as a device to prelude a scene of violence. The sound of the "Adhan" (call to prayer) or verses from the Muslim holy book are heard before every scene discovering an explosive device.

However, the film's overall portrayal of Muslims and/or Iraqis is not completely homogeneous, unlike 95% of American films about the Middle East, but by no means is it a huge step forward. Iraqi characters range from militant Muslim gun men, pornography selling merchants, and innocent Iraqis living in a war torn Iraq.

The film as a whole I feel has no intention of painting Iraqis and/or Muslims as evil people. However, the use of Islamic symbols in the form of the Adhan and the Quran are used specifically to connote the presence of violence and danger. The use of these symbols as dark, exotic, and evil forces is not new to cinema (see The Exorcist), however, we should expect more from a film produced in 2008. Non-Muslim film producers somehow fail to see that these verses are sacred in Islam, a religion followed by over a billion people worldwide. Any use of these symbols to connote danger alienates the non-Muslim world from seeing Islam as a faith tradition rather than a doctrine of violence and hate.

I hope I'm not the first to tell say that this "critically acclaimed" work needs a lot more... work. I think it's time filmmakers stop pretending that they "understand" and start admitting that pretentious portrayals of the world only expose their ignorance.

REPOST: Oldschool Varzesh Bastani Tape

2010-03-04T08:25:00.004-07:00

Since people have been asking where the old varzesh bastani tracks are that I posted on imeem a while back are, I decided to repost them on Soundcloud.

enjoy

Zurkhaneh Side A by mashouf

Zurkhaneh Side B by mashouf

i'll try to make this more regular

2010-02-10T16:46:00.003-07:00

*music courtesy Roch Mirabeau

I recently met up with Mark Williams-Washington at one of West LA's few 24 hour spots. We'll be collaborating on a few projects in the coming months... more later.

A Stroll Through The Tenderloin

2009-12-06T20:49:00.006-07:00

ten·der·loin (tender-loin)
n.

1. The tenderest part of a loin of beef, pork, or similar cut of meat.

2. A city district notorious for vice and graft.

Holiest of Things

2009-10-29T03:38:00.004-07:00

photo by David Gilkey/NPR

I commissioned this poem in 2004 for a video I did about children in Palestine. A friend of mine who I had been blessed to meet named Samer Tamimi is an amazing poet who is originally Palestinian. His poem is what remains from the project.

Download and share.
(Right click --> Save target as)

The RZA and Hip Hop Spirituality

2009-10-18T22:02:00.006-07:00

I had become a fan of the Wu-Tang Clan when I was fairly young, hearing "Protect Ya Neck" on the radio in the early/mid 90s after the release of their first album. A few Wu-Tang songs circulated on the homemade mix tapes my older brother made from the radio that I listened to, years before I even purchased a Wu Tang album. By 97 and the arrival of the second Wu-Tang album, "Forever" I was all ears. Since getting my dad to drive me to a Sam Goody after school was way out of the question, a friend of mine bought the CD for me the day it came out. I listened to the album in one session and it left me rapping the lyrics for years to come in addition to asking a lot of questions about the world.

When I heard the opening verse from "Impossible" it left me searching for more..

Fusion of the five elements, to search for the higher intelligence
Women walk around celibate, livin irrelevant
The most benevolent king, communicatin through your dreams
Mental pictures been painted, Allah's heard and seen
everywhere, throughout your surroundin atmosphere
Troposphere, thermosphere, stratosphere
Can you imagine from one single idea, everything appeared here
Understanding makes my truth, crystal clear...

The RZA's lyrical career is by no means one that is squeeky clean nor void of hypocrisies and contradictions. In fact, RZA's use 5 Percenter teachings generally tunes me out of his philosophy. However, his verses have generally served as encouragement for his community and his listeners to seek knowledge, read, expand their vocabulary and to calculate actions, seeing life as a chessboard.

RZA's new book looks like an interesting read but more importantly, books authored within the hip hop community, though rare, reach an audience that may have never picked up a book. The desire for knowledge is shared by all people, but without credibility in the culture of the audience, words will fail to stick.

RZA's humility in the above video is commendable for a rap artist and he has definitely sparked my attention as he did before in 97. I look forward to reading The Tao of Wu.

Open Indie May Bring Bucks Back To Filmmakers

2009-10-05T14:43:00.007-07:00

Indie filmmakers who choose to distribute their work on their own (like myself) are at a serious disadvantage relative to films with high end distribution. On the other hand, audience opportunity to interact with filmmakers and artists as well as hold screenings of indie movies are much better than films distributed by a third party.

OpenIndie.com is an opportunity for indie film audiences to find movies they want to see and/or screen, and be informed about showings in their area, all while the filmmaker has a chance to benefit financially from each viewer.

As much as the internet has democratized cinema, image makers are still searching for ways to monetize their content in a way that stays accessible to the internet audience. Open Indie may be part of the answer... we'll see.

Maz Jobrani's Message About Warring Factions

2009-09-18T01:53:00.003-07:00

If you want to support an independent film like Warring Factions you
can do a few things.

1. Spread the word. Write a blog, make a phone call, send an email,
tweet, text message, and/or carrier pigeon to your friends about the
movie. Additionally, I have started a Facebook event publicizing the
release here [Link]

2. Buy the DVD. Downloading the film is great but having the DVD is
much better for sharing and holding screenings for communities and
friends. The DVD also includes features which are not included when
you download the film. When you buy the DVD be sure to donate at
least another $10 to help with future projects.

3. Donate. Films are expensive to produce but documentaries that have
a message should be made to inspire change and not to make profits..
To make future films I rely on the people to support my efforts
financially. Just as mainstream movies are financed by large
conglomerated companies, my films are made with the support of many
people who want to do their part in voicing for change.

Remember Election Day?

2009-09-14T00:57:00.003-07:00

So on my way leaving the polling place for the Iranian presidential elections I saw this fun little bunch protesting outside. This particular lady cursed at me and called me an "akhoond" (another word for a mullah) so I took a picture of her. I guess my beard was longer that day : /

Funny thing is, I still see these people standing on the corner Veteran and Wilshire wasting their time holding "Where is my vote?" signs. Irony.

Dear crazy people on both sides,
Please stay at home watching Persian satellite, the rest of us are going to try to move forward from this election and learn from what happened. In the meantime let's stop locking up and getting locked up, it will be good for everyone.

Images Talk

2009-09-08T00:40:00.005-07:00

By Sepideh Raeesi

and this one says?

It's Been A Long While

2009-08-30T23:41:00.003-07:00

As you may have noticed the frequency of my posts diminishing, I should explain for myself... I am still alive but have been working on a variety of different projects that sometimes my own wife can't keep up with...

A few upcoming things you should look out for...

My coverage of Freestyle Session 12 on Dipdive... sure to be the hotness so keep checking for it.

The release of Warring Factions on DVD... I'm not giving a concrete date but I'm aiming for Eid time (end of Ramadhan).
........................................................................................

In the meantime, here's a message to take home:

Act like you know better, because you do.
Tell the truth and shame the devil.
Don't be afraid of the truth but be aware of the consequences.

Mujahideen Email Recruiting and Another Visit By DHS

2009-07-20T10:03:00.005-07:00

I recently received an message on my personal email address reading...

"I am an Engineer and Scientist with the Mujahideen Forces in Afghanistan.

I have a financial proposition that will benefit both of us greatly and if interested do indicate by replying for more directives.

Eng.Mohammad Fadhil."

FYI to the Feds... If you want to email prospective jihadis you may at least want to Salaam a brother.

Maybe not so coincidentally, this email was received one day before I was stopped (again) by the homies at Homeland Security in Seattle doing a "follow up" interview regarding my 2008 stay in Iran and the subsequent detention in Atlanta.

Since I visited Canada for less than 5 hours on an Alaskan cruise my name had to be processed by DHS. Due to my federal celebrity status I was flagged for an "examination" and a detailed search of my and my wife's belongings.

I would rate this last run in with Homeland a 7 whereas my last experience in Atlanta was closer to a 2. This time we were able to request a female agent to search my wife's luggage and were free to use the bathroom. We were even offered a small continental breakfast which was really the typical cop doughnut breakfast. The whole ordeal lasted a little longer than 2 hours from the time I was woken up in our stateroom to be interviewed till the officer hailing us a cab outside the port.

I hope this last run-in with DHS proves to them that they are wasting time and resources by interviewing me every time I re-enter the US.

Islamist Crazies Alive and Well on the Internet

2009-06-26T13:46:00.004-07:00

I found this video via Views From The Occident. The video is a type of eulogy for Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, a militant Salafi terrorist who was killed by a US airstrike in 2006 and demonstrates the fact that Salafi terrorists are still around and have added tacky video editing as a part of their training. Iraq's recent resurgence of violence has been alarming as well as disheartening to see that Iraq's sovereignty looks lengths away from the foreseeable future.

The militant Salafist movements of Iraq are still strong despite a reduction in violence from 2006 and 2007. Reasons for this include the vast numbers of Sunni Iraqi's disenfranchised by the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the unlimited supply of radical Sunni extremists living everywhere from Kashhmir to London. This not so efficient network of radical Salifis provides moral and/or financial support to similar groups in conflict zones (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc).

The US military's current strategy is building alliances with Sunni tribes to combat Salafi terrorist groups from the community level and cutting off their recruitment base. However effective these efforts may be in the short run, a long term solution can only be provided by the global Muslim community itself. Salafi strategies of financing Islamic mosques and dawa with the condition that it be headed with Salafi ideology creates an incredible base of Muslims who are complacent to Salafi violence around the world. Not until the dangers of militant Salafism/Wahabism becomes a major discourse in the global Muslim community will there be a significant reduction in the global networks of Islamist terrorists.

Related Reading
Is Iraq Sliding Back Into Chaos?
Frontline Analaysis of Wahabism
The Decline of Knowledge and the Rise of Ideology in the Modern Islamic World

There's No Going Back

2009-06-24T17:21:00.007-07:00

The controversy surrounding the Iranian presidential election has not only done damage to Iran but has also polarized the Shia community abroad on the issue. Iranian nationals within the Muslim community have either recognized the election results as legitimate, sided with the Supreme Leader's decision to end any probing into election fraud, or have voiced discontent with the regime's unwillingness to investigate the election results.

As demonstrations in Los Angeles have attracted majorly those who would not identify with the values of the Islamic Republic (most protesters don't even use the current flag of Iran when demonstrating), those identifying with those values have debated the outcome of the election fiercely.

Those defending the legitimacy of the election have sited the disconnection of the liberal "elite" from the masses of Iranians outside of Tehran as the cause of mass protests and an overall attitude of being sore losers in the election. In addition, Iranian voices of opposition have been dismissed by this group as supporting foreign enemies (Mossad, MKO, CIA, etc) bent on the collapse of the Islamic Republic. For some this may be a class conflict but when it comes down to it, is a question of transparency.

Iranians voicing their criticism of the elections have been harshly criticized by even non-Iranians who admire the institution of the IRI and intend on doing their part in what they feel is upholding the Islamic Republic and/or their loyalty to a Marja Taqlid.

Iranians who have aligned themselves with their government in the past and are now questioning its methods have seen this election as the breaking point for their trust in their leaders. The widespread media censorship, communication lockdown, police/ Basij/ military brutality against civilians has eroded the trust of Iranian nationals for their government.

At this point, I believe that some Mousavi supporters would have preferred Ahmadinejad to have won the election fairly and transparently rather than the current situation which has spiraled out of control on both sides. However, we find ourselves at the point of no return and there is no easy solution to all of this, so let's stop acting like the answer is going to come from out of the sky.

Where is the order?

2009-06-15T11:11:00.006-07:00

At present Iran is in unrest. The mass reactions of the elections are that of dismay and those who feel they have been disfranchised and stripped of their voice have taken to the street. I have not been relying on one source of news media for my information about the election aftermath, rather a network of personal contacts in Iran, blogs, Twitter, and media coming directly from the streets.

Some have claimed this unrest is at its heart a struggle between Rafsanjani and Iran's Supreme Leader, Seyed Ali Khamenei, while many have been saying that the final numbers were a blatant robbery of the election because a Mousavi victory would skew the vision of the current regime.

Whatever be the case, the type of violence and unrest seen in Iran at the moment has the potential to be a huge step backward for establishing a legitimacy for the Islamic Republic and may eventually be a death sentence for the nation. The blocking of SMS messaging, limiting Internet access, filtering social media and the charade of state broadcast media has given Iranians and the rest of the world the image that Iran is insecure and willing to go great unethical lengths to keep their population quiet. Enemies of Iran will (and I'm sure already have) use this unrest for their own agendas, however, if allegations of voter fraud are false, then there is no harm in seeing the ballots and having an observed recount.

Related Reading:
Polls Before Elections
New Unrest is a Coup
Rejecting Charges of the Northern Tehran Fallacy
Stealing the Election
Report Purporting to Show Rigged Elections Flawed

Election Day is Here

2009-06-12T08:52:00.004-07:00

I write you as I walk out of the door to vote in the 1388 elections in Los Angeles. A lot of the young Iranians I know have been excited to participate this year and have been active in viewing the presidential debates as well as reading about the candidates and their policies. It's unfortunate that there seems to be anti Islamic Republic demonstrators at the polling places in Los Angeles. Of all days and places, they choose to protest at polling places. Very counter productive if you ask me.

After a few phone calls with family in Tehran, it seems Iran is the right climate for massive participation. The current economic downturn, inflation, and sentiments of those who have felt imposed on by harsh morality enforcement, all have combined factors in this years increased participation in the presidential elections.

I'll refrain from posting speculative reports of which of the candidates is ahead in the polls. We'll have to see what happens tomorrow.

Wifey Gets A Blog

2009-05-20T22:32:00.003-07:00

I'm glad to say that my wife Fatemeh has started a blog. She is an amazingly talented author, poet, and person who I will spend the rest of my life with, God willing. As a filmmaker who tends to make personal work, you will undoubtedly be seeing more of her in my work and more of me in hers. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

The Pope is Not A Celebrity Endorsement Deal

2009-05-14T14:20:00.004-07:00

photo: Ammar Abd Rabbo

In response to this, I would have to say that this is one of the more shameless acts in Israeli politics. While the hype regarding the Pope's "controversial" visit to Israel has been generally focused on whether the Pope has anti-Jewish sentiments, Netanyahu has tried to use the Pope's visit as an endorsement for Israel while Christian Arabs are treated as second class citizens. Netanyahu feels he can use the leverage of Pope Benedict XVI's Nazi German youth past to get a condemnation of Iran for it's "destructive" intentions and statements. Netanyahu's attempt to incite a new crusade against Iran has no rules or boundaries.

The Pope's visit to Israel could do a lot to bring international attention to the Palestinian plight but unfortunately is doing little for anyone in the region.

Noor Film Festival Screening Recap

2009-05-11T13:29:00.006-07:00

It's been over a week since the screening at Noor and I am finally getting around to writing about it. My film screened on a Saturday afternoon and in true "Persian" fashion, 70% of the audience was 20 minutes late. I'm glad that my film was preceded by a 20 minute short.

Overall, audience reaction was by far better than any other screening. Every scene of nuanced humor, emotion, or frustration was followed by laughter and/or applause. I think the best received scene was that which Iranian bboy Hossein Battle is speaking about Iran- US relations. In the film Hossein mentions that "the US is not our big brother or cousin to tell us what do do," after which the whole audience hooted and applauded his comment. Regardless of Iranians varying opinions on Iran's current regime, the vast majority believes in an Iran that is sovereign and independent from the West in its decision making.

After the screening I was honored to hear such positive feedback from Reza Badiyi who has achieved a lot in the industry, especially as an Iranian-American. His feedback, more than anyone else at the festival meant a lot. Also, in attending the festival I was happy to meet Faramarz K Rahber who directed Donkey in Lahore and won 3 awards at the festival including Best Director. It meant a great deal to hear the filmmaker who won Best Director saying my film was his favorite in the festival.

The next day during the award ceremony Warring Factions was nominated for Best Documentary and Best Story/Idea. I was honored to be nominated at the festival and I sincerely thank everyone who passed out fliers, sent facebook messages, and told friends about the screening and the film. This festival has opened up a few more doors for the film and I hope to be screening again in LA since I was approached by so many people asking when the next showing was.

LA Premiere... Less Than One Week Away

2009-04-25T13:43:00.005-07:00

After a lot of planning and hard work it seems my film is finally playing in LA. As exciting as the screening in NY was, this upcoming screening at Noor Film Festival on May 2nd holds a special place.

Noor is one of the only Iranian film festival in the US. Considering my film is concerning Iran, it is appropriate to be seen by an Iranian audience and can definitely be appreciated by young Iranian American viewers.

My work on the film up and my challenges in getting it made, including becoming a terror suspect along the way, has lead up to this screening in LA. My plans for my next steps are unsure, but I recognize that this is a new world we live in which requires a new strategy to spread the hope of reconciliation.

I won't do my big reveal until later, but know that what I do will be surprising but more effective than the traditional path, God willing.

Wackest Obama Move Yet

2009-04-17T04:39:00.005-07:00

Obama Exempts CIA Torture Staff
When we don't hold people accountable for their actions we are no better than dogs..

Same Stuff Different Headline

2009-04-16T05:02:00.004-07:00

Bloomberg says: Iran Sanctions Would Be Frozen By U.S. for Talks, Envoys Say

Upon actually reading the article I found this crucial sentence... "The Obama administration won’t impose additional sanctions on Iran if it freezes nuclear development work and joins talks over the future of its program"

In other news, Iran clones the first goat in the Middle East.. take that Arab states!

Little Bastani in a Big Way

2009-04-14T19:56:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this... classic.

Noor Film Festival Screening May 2nd

2009-04-14T01:48:00.003-07:00

It's going down in LA... Tell your khalehs and your amoos.
May 2nd
2pm
Fine Arts Theater

Narcy Drops a Gem

2009-04-10T00:59:00.001-07:00

The Narcicyst- P.H.A.T.W.A. (Official Music Video) from The Narcicyst on Vimeo.

Narcy puts it plain and simple (and funky).

Iran Nears Final Stages of Nuclear Fuel Cycle

2009-04-09T08:17:00.003-07:00

All of this amidst talks of more negotiations... it's going to be a long week.

Shias In The Gulf React To Discrimination

2009-04-09T06:33:00.005-07:00

Shias (Shiites) in Eastern Saudi Arabia have always suffered repression and discrimination in their country in addition to the millions of Shias who are discriminated against as visiting pilgrims to holy sites. Sheikh Nimr, a Shia leader in Saudi, public declared for the secession of the Shia majority eastern portion of the country. Sheikh Nimr made the declaration in February shortly after serious violence between Saudi religious police and Shia pilgrims in the holy city of Medina.

New statements from Shia leaders denouncing the calls to secede have been labeled by some as an act of complacency to the discrimination of Shias in Saudi. Even though I disagree on the notion that the eastern province should secede, I agree that these types of statements are a detriment to any serious progressive dialogue on the issue of discrimination.

Additionally, I resent the fact that NPR falls for the rhetoric that accuses Iran of using Shia-Sunni tensions as a way to increase their influence in the region. Iranian nationalists who dream of having Bahrain as Iranian territory again are out of touch with reality and do not represent the nation. It is possible for Shias to be upset about something without Iran's influence. Just ask Shias in Iraq who have a variety of political viewpoints, many of which have no desire to form a super-Shia state with Iran.

Iran Delegate Criticizes Afghanistan Troop Surge

2009-03-31T13:01:00.003-07:00

At a Hague meeting on Afghanistan attended by US's Richard Holbrooke and Iranian representative Mohammad Mehdi Akhoondzadeh, the Iranian rep stated that, "the presence of foreign forces has not improved things in the country, and it seems than an increase in the number of foreign forces will prove ineffective." The delegate added that resources should be focused on building Afghanistan's military forces.

Mr. Akhoondzadeh also mentioned Iran's willingness to combat drug trafficking and reconstructing Afghanistan's infastructure. Afghanistan's drug problem has shown to be Iran's problem as well. Iranian officials say the drug war has cost their nation over $600 million in the last two years. Drug clashes have claimed 3,700 Iranian security officials and injured 11,000 in more than 12,000 clashes between traffickers and police officers between 1989 and 2003, according to Iranian statistics cited in a UN report.

Is an Iranian Nuclear Option Good For The Middle East?

2009-03-31T12:17:00.003-07:00

Haneen Zubai, elected representative of an Arab party to the Knesset has welcomed Iran's alleged quest for a nuclear weapon as a means of providing a balance to Israel's regional military domination.

Not that I believe that Iran is developing nukes but I'm sure the Knesset had to pick their jaws off the ground after reading Ms. Zubai's interview.

Shuruq Festival Screening Recap

2009-03-31T01:19:00.005-07:00

Shuruq Festival screening this last Wednesday went very well. Much thanks to Amel and Ayman for making things happen. We filled the room out despite fears of campus security interupting the over capacitated festivities.

Question and answer was predominatley questions about my incident with Homeland Security and bboys in Iran. It would be great for Hossein Battle from the film come to screenings to speak about breakin in Iran but we'll see who from Iran we can bring for the next big screening.

Obama Nowruz Message?

2009-03-20T00:59:00.005-07:00

Earlier today I said to myself, "Man it would be a good idea for Obama to make mention of Nowruz or call up President Ahmadinejad and wish him a happy new year."

1/2 of those things actually happened! UNPRECEDENTED and WELL DONE!

Haft Seen

2009-03-19T18:03:00.005-07:00

Norooz Mubarak -- Happy Persian New Year

Starting the new year with positive energy and productivity is often challenging, but it's a must.

Seeing as I will be in NY this time next week I'm excited to attend Shuruq.

Starting my life in Los Angeles has been a big change from my life in Tucson. I miss my friends but I'm glad my parents have followed me here.

Stress can kill.. I sincerely believe that.

Some things in cannot be presented literally. It won't speak to the heart.

Strength of the heart does not necessitate strength of the mind.

Struggles of the past will always resurface in the present.

Miranda July Lectures on Art.Cult

2009-03-19T15:57:00.003-07:00

After finishing this Miranda July lecture I wanted to start writing up a storm. Her talent is amazing and incredibly natural.

“you’re not as bad as you think you are but you’re not as good either.”

US downs Iran drone. Khatami drops out of race.

2009-03-16T19:38:00.003-07:00

US jet fighters have shot down an unmanned aircraft in Iraqi airspace. This is one of the first of reported military actions during the relative silence of allegations that Iran has been intervening in Iraqi affairs.

Former President Seyed Mohammad Khatami drops out of race. There are reports he will back former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mr. Mousavi was prime minister of Iran during the 1980's, and was reportedly a close confidante to Ayatollah Khomeini.

Colbert's Non Consensual Iranian Suit Endorsement

2009-03-13T16:17:00.002-07:00

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Mahmoud's Non-Consensual Endorsement Deal

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Political Humor

Rap Battle
NASA Name Contest

This speaks for itself. Big ups to the Colbert Report research team.

FBI Shoots Itself in the Foot with Muslim Americans

2009-03-13T07:15:00.003-07:00

My experience with the feds isn't the brightest of paintings but don't take it from me... This article sheds a lot on the current landscape of the relationship of the Muslim American community and American intelligence agencies.

In 2007, Niazi reported suspicious behavior by a new Muslim convert in his mosque, who he said was talking about jihad and suggested planning a terrorist attack in conversations with others at the Islamic Center of Irvine. He and a mosque official filed a report with the Los Angeles field office of the FBI. The FBI then told mosque officials that they were investigating the matter, and the mosque successfully got a three-year restraining order against the individual.
Niazi reported that FBI officials later contacted him to ask him to be a paid informant. When he refused, he said they threatened to make his life "a living hell." Niazi was arrested last week on charges related to lying on his immigration documents and was released yesterday on $500,000 bail.

[Read more]

Fighting Addiction With Varzesh Bastani

2009-03-12T18:41:00.005-07:00

I came across this video on YouTube about a program in Tehran that uses Varzesh Bastani as a way to rehabilitate drug users. The man who is speaking in the clip, Reza Rezai, wears a t-shirt that reads "Always Exercise, Never Become An Addict" and mentions briefly that Varzesh Bastani is not only a physical exercise but a conditioning of the spirit. Mr. Rezai also goes on to speak about family and upbringing in staying away from drugs but I want to focus on his previous statement.

Just as drug addiction is a physical illness, it is also a spiritual deficiency that needs to be replenished. Varzesh Bastani, or "the exercise of heroes" has a strong theme of spiritual unity that can be derived from the multitude of rhythms and vocals performed by the "morshed." Just as the trainer transitions from each physical exercise he is driven and inspired by the morshed's lyrics and rhythm.

In my limited experience with those who abuse drugs, their initial problem which leads them to drug use is generally a feeling of having no purpose and a spiritual void. Both physical and spiritual exercise can have a profound effect on those who abuse drugs or who are at risk. I'm unsure if this program is still active in Iran but I hope it is still alive and well.

Good Lord

2009-03-12T04:29:00.002-07:00

When I saw Brother Ali in 2002 opening for Slug in Tucson I never thought he would become one of my favorite rappers. I was way wrong.

Good Lord indeed

Gaza is a "Closed Zone"

2009-03-05T07:25:00.004-07:00

Yoni Goodman, the Israeli director of Academy Award nominated Waltz with Bashir created the short animated film Closed Zone to make a statement about the plight of Gaza's civilians.

I applaud him for making this given the obvious consequences of making such a film as a an Israeli and a Jew.

Media Plays Iranian Nuke Scare

2009-03-02T06:57:00.003-07:00

The media games continue in covering Iran's nuclear ambitions. I was alarmed to see this floating at the top stories today before the rebuttal from Defense Secretary Robert Gates was included in the story. With all of this coverage on Iran and nuclear capabilities, why is it so rare that we see a mainstream broadcast media channel actually speak in depth about what building a nuclear weapon actually entails? Probably the same reason so few media outlets did critical reporting on Iraq's weapons prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

[Read up here]

In other Iran hype....

Annette Bening attempts to mend US-Iran ties

Iranian-American journalist jailed

Islamic Finance Laughing All The Way To The Bank

2009-03-02T06:16:00.004-07:00

"Islamic financial institutions, he said, had not been hit as hard as their western counterparts because they did not invest in toxic assets.
Banks run in accordance with Muslims laws on interest payments and the sharing of credit risks are seen by many as fairer than traditional banks, less focused on profit and kinder to the communities they work in."

One can't help but laugh at a world that consistently insults the Islam as a backward religion and savage culture and then takes a lesson from that same tradition in the form of finance. Let's not forget that modern mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine were all revolutionized by the Muslim world when the West was just poking around in the dirt. Muslims may have their fair share amount of problems but we still have things to contribute to those who wish to listen.

[read more]

Excited About TV?

2009-03-02T06:03:00.004-07:00

I've been looking forward to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon for about a month since I've been following the blog. I'm not a huge fan of Fallon but I would tune in (or at least check the site) often to see the Roots.

Jimmy is taking TV to the next level incorporating social media into the show more than ever before. This is the first time I've been excited for TV in a while.

NYU Screening March 25th -- PRESS RELEASE

2009-02-28T12:08:00.006-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Amel Ahmed
email: Amel.Ahmed (at) gmail.com
phone: 718-613-9779

Justin Mashouf
WarringFactions.com
487 S Ogden Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: 520-245-6079
http://WarringFactions.com
js.mashouf (at) gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iranian-American Terror Suspect To Screen Iran Film at NYU
New York, NY -- March 25, 2009 -- Muslim-American filmmaker Justin Mashouf will be screening his feature documentary, "Warring Factions," on March 25th as a part of the annual New York University Shuruq Festival. 24 year old Mashouf will be screening the 70 minute documentary in addition to speaking about his experiences in Iran, his detention by Homeland Security and the confiscation of his video footage on suspicion of terrorism.

"Warring Factions" is Mashouf's first feature length documentary. Filming began in April 2007, capturing his experiences as a multi-ethnic Iranian American exploring his Muslim identity in a post 9/11 world. In the wake of rising international tensions, he is cornered into answering the question, "Where is your loyalty, America or Iran?" Shot in both countries, Mashouf's journey throughout the film uses his love for break dancing as a way of bridging an American culture with Iranian youth. Additionally, he becomes a student of the traditional Iranian martial art of "Varzesh Bastani" and seeks to understand the sentiments of the religious conservative generation of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

As voices in the Obama administration deliberate their official Iran policy and media outlets have fueled the perception of a nuclear standoff, "Warring Factions" is a call to (dis)arms. By combining documentary and studio reenactments, Mashouf looks at the blurring of world borders, and the looming threat of another war in the Middle East.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2009 AT 7:30PM

Where: Annual New York University Shuruq Festival
245 Sullivan Street
Furman Hall, room 214
(Furman Hall is located at 245 Sullivan Street, between Washington Square South and West Third Street. It is two blocks east of the West Fourth subway station (A,C, E, B, D, F and V lines). Minetta Parking is the nearest parking facility (122 W. 3rd St. between 6th Avenue and MacDougal St., 212-777-3530), however here is a link to additional nearby parking garages: http://www.nyu.edu/about/parking.html )

When: Wednesday March 25, 2009. 7:30pm

Justin will be available for interviews in New York City from March 23rd till March 30th

Contact:
Amel Ahmed
Amel.Ahmed (at) gmail.com
phone: 718-613-9779

Justin Mashouf
js.mashouf (at) gmail.com
Phone: 520-245-6079

Removing the Silence on Domestic Violence

2009-02-25T01:49:00.005-07:00

I saw this today after I heard Sheikh Hamza Yusuf on NPR speaking about the recent beheading of the wife of the founder of Muslim TV station Bridges TV. The sermon itself is nothing new to be heard in Islam however, domestic violence in Muslim societies are plagued by cultural baggage and backward traditions that sometimes masks themselves as "Islam."

Sheikh Hamza's talk on NPR breaks it down fairly well in terms of cultures that will avoid "shame" by any means necessary, which is a dangerous and destructive behavior.

The dialogue is ongoing and needs to keep rolling.

A Music Video Worth Watching?

2009-02-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

A++ from me for sure. I'm sure much of my having gone into film was from the hundreds of music videos I watched as a kid but to be honest, most music videos I see now are quite wack. Now that the main venue of distribution for music video is the internet, there is a loss of replay value like that of videos in the 90s. I remember slamming tapes into the VCR as fast as possible to record my favorite videos as they came on. It was unpredictable when the video would play so there was a constant checking of the channels waiting for that moment.

Now that music videos are readily available and are being made by every other YouTube user it is rare that one stands out enough to want to watch the whole thing and/or share with others. This is definitely one of the exceptions.

Bank Bailout Party Fund

2009-02-24T05:47:00.003-07:00

This article made me so furious, I just about put all my savings in my mattress. This kind of irresponsible behavior should not be tolerated from a company that should be nationalized at this point.

.read more.

Hoochie music makes more hoochies?

2009-02-24T05:33:00.002-07:00

"Listening to music with degrading sexual lyrics could prompt teenagers to start having sex at an earlier age, a US study suggests."

Why am I not surprised?

Big Time Busy

2009-02-21T15:10:00.007-07:00

So it looks like Warring Factions will be screening at NYU in late March, God willing. The date is confirmed for March 25th so stay tuned for more news.

In the meantime check out some of my recent random reading materials.

Should All War Criminals Be Brought To Justice?

Is Google Making Us Stupid?

Iranian Music: An Unexplored Territory

Analyzing Visual Medias

Siftables Rock

Propaganda Before Our Feature Presentation

2009-02-02T18:55:00.002-07:00

I saw this at the theater before seeing Slumdog Millionare Saturday night. I must say I lost my lunch a bit and couldn't help but heckling. I'm glad the theater was mostly comprised of South Asians.

Turkish PM Calls Peres On His Nonsense

2009-01-30T04:33:00.003-07:00

It's good to see someone like Tayyip Erdogan calling out Peres on the crimes of his nation. Now if there were another dozen leaders willing to do the same, the blank check to violate human rights wouldn't look so appealing.

Experimental Bboying Forum: Free and Paranoid Android

2009-01-30T04:15:00.006-07:00

I stumbled upon this forum earlier today at work. PA had told me about this forum when he went to IBE last year but I never got to see it until now. Paranoid Android was a big name in Arizona bboying from about 2004-2006 and influenced a whole generation of bboys from AZ and California. In 2003 that PA was training Law and was the brains of Circus Runaways. I was working at a high school at the time and I had them all over for a late night practice.

PA always had a mixed reputation in Arizona but I've always respected him for his contributions to bboying and taking the time to actually articulate his ideas to people.

Incredible Typo

2009-01-29T19:15:00.001-07:00

UJA NY raises money by detouring sympathy?

2 Songs For Gaza

2009-01-22T17:34:00.004-07:00

photo by David Gilkey/NPR

The Narcicyst- Hamdulilah Gaza Remix ft. Shadia Mansour

Kollon 3endon Dababaat (They All Have Tanks) - Shadia Mansour

Welcome To The Terrordome

2009-01-20T16:25:00.003-07:00

Welcome To The Terrordome from W.A.R. Media on Vimeo.

Stay alive. Stay awake.

Obama Inauguration and Gaza Ceasefire

2009-01-19T00:25:00.007-07:00

Tomorrow is the beginning of a "New Day" in America's history. One cannot help but observe the public hope of change, however, I hope this word is not only remembered as a catchy campaign slogan of another American president unwilling to reverse the tide of destruction that has plagued American policy for years.

On the rolling credits of the worst American presidency in history Obama's challenges ahead of him are countless. Nevertheless, the American public must stay vigilante in never allowing such a flagrant disregard for international law and human rights in addition to blatant war profiteering and corporate favoritism.

Obama is being inaugurated on the funeral pyre of Gaza and the broken pieces of hope for reconciliation of Palestinians and Israelis. This ceasefire may mark a temporary halt in bombings but the violence of a destroyed Gaza still yields the smell of charred victims trapped in the rubble. Israel's goals to defeat or weaken Hamas has been lost as millions of Arabs and Muslims around the wold have been further motivated to acts of irrationality against Israel and the West. Obama's silence during the mercilless asault on Gaza has hinted to confirm the fears of "Other people" who suspected Obama would be just another player in a game they are not invited to and are not included in the rule book.

Gaza Update

2009-01-15T15:17:00.009-07:00

GAZA IN CRISIS: THE MEDIA SHUTOUT
A teleconference/ podcast Sponsored by the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalist Association (AMEJA)

Israeli forces shell UN headquarters in Gaza

"GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip January 15, 2009, 04:20 pm ET · Israel shelled the United Nations headquarters in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, engulfing the compound and a warehouse in fire and destroying thousands of pounds of food and humanitarian supplies intended for Palestinian refugees."

"U.N. officials said the shells that hit the compound contained white phosphorus, which is believed to have been responsible for burns suffered by some Palestinian civilians during the war."

Foreign Press Urges Israel Boycott

"JERUSALEM (AFP) — The Foreign Press Association on Thursday urged its members to boycott Israeli army photos and video footage to protest at the shelling of a media building in Gaza City that wounded two cameramen."

What Does Web 2.0 Have To Do With Gaza?
"And since Israel barred all journalists from entering Gaza, the media and public have largely relied on non-traditional sources for information about the growing crisis. Traffic to the online magazine Electronic Intifada (EI) - whose contributions come from journalists, academics, humanitarian workers and activists on a pro-bono basis - has more than doubled in two weeks."

Greeks Prevent Arms Shipment To Israel

"WASHINGTON (AFP) – The US military has to had to cancel a planned shipment of munitions from a Greek port to a US warehouse in Israel due to objections from Athens, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday."

Dr. Mossadegh Sits Down With Mashouf

2009-01-12T23:37:00.001-07:00

Read the interview here

Moharram in Downtown Los Angeles

2009-01-12T15:50:00.003-07:00

The Moharram procession in downtown LA are an interesting cultural phenomenon. The mostly South Asian attended and organized event happens every year near Broadway and 6th and attracts Shias from around Southern California. In the two years I have attended there has been a large turnout of people from over a wide range of ethnicities including Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, Afghani, Iraqi, and Lebanese all reciting "noha" or lamentations in their own languages and traditions.

In comparison, the Los Angeles procession is much smaller to the New York City version, which has been going for over 20 years. This year in New York, a friend of mine let me know that there was the largest English component to the procession to date. This development of a unique movement of English "azadari" mourning traditions is a transition to an organic religious culture of the English speaking West. The shift is a much needed advance for second and third generation Shias who are shying away from the languages of their immigrant parents.

Commemoration Of A Timeless Battle

2009-01-06T21:52:00.008-07:00

Latest images from the city of Karbala, Iraq for the commemoration (not celebration) of the events of Ashura.

This time of year has always been a time of self reflection and striving with great effort to contribute to the commemoration in my own way. Now living in California in addition to no longer being a student, I deeply appreciate those times I spent every night in a small crowded house of people to lament the events that took place in Karbala.

This Moharram has been a drought in comparison to previous years. Time has been short and programs have been far away. I feel like the expression of Moharram fulfills a thirst of the heart that cannot be quenched by anything else. My hope is that by this time next year I will be working on my Ashura project again since I started it 4 years ago.

Norwegian Doctor Reports From Gaza

2009-01-06T02:01:00.002-07:00

When will this madness stop? When will the world be content with the amount of destruction inflicted?

Scarborough Gets Served

2008-12-31T01:03:00.002-07:00

How can Scarborough work as a professional news gatherer and still sound like he believes in Santa when engaging in a conversation about international politics?

Take a break from the pundits and try reading a book for a change. I pray your patience will survive the journey.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Ongoing Attack in Gaza

2008-12-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

BBC:
Current death toll 220
Current injured over 700