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.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Is an Iranian Nuclear Option Good For The Middle East?
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
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.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Obama Nowruz Message?
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!
1/2 of those things actually happened! UNPRECEDENTED and WELL DONE!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Haft Seen
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
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.”
“you’re not as bad as you think you are but you’re not as good either.”
Monday, March 16, 2009
US downs Iran drone. Khatami drops out of race.
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.
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.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Colbert's Non Consensual Iranian Suit Endorsement
This speaks for itself. Big ups to the Colbert Report research team.
FBI Shoots Itself in the Foot with Muslim Americans
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.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Fighting Addiction With Varzesh Bastani
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.
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
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
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Gaza is a "Closed Zone"
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.
I applaud him for making this given the obvious consequences of making such a film as a an Israeli and a Jew.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Media Plays Iranian Nuke Scare
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
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."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."
[read more]
Excited About TV?
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.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
NYU Screening March 25th -- PRESS RELEASE
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
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
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.
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/
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
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Removing the Silence on Domestic Violence
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.
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?
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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bank Bailout Party Fund
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?
"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?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Big Time Busy
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
Monday, February 02, 2009
Propaganda Before Our Feature Presentation
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.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Turkish PM Calls Peres On His Nonsense
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
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.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Obama Inauguration and Gaza Ceasefire
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.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Gaza Update
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
Foreign Press Urges Israel Boycott
What Does Web 2.0 Have To Do With Gaza?
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."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Moharram in Downtown Los Angeles
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.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Commemoration Of A Timeless Battle
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
When will this madness stop? When will the world be content with the amount of destruction inflicted?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Scarborough Gets Served
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.
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
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
the future of news
I've become quite a fan of ANP since I found out about them in July. Cutbacks of the major news outlets in addition to huge budget cuts of public media companies has created a vacuum of media news content. The internet is to be the new center for distribution of investigative journalism/ documentary content. This democratizing shift not only makes media more accessible, but allows for a development of a new interconnected media that allows viewers to have an active role in developing stories. Even though the reach of sites like ANP are nowhere near the reach of the cable news networks, the potential for massive audiences larger than that of CNN is there.
The move to the internet as a means of media distribution also frees companies of the traditional censorship and ratings groping seen in traditional broadcast. Smaller budgets and audiences with longer attention spans spells for better quality.
Viewer support and viral social video networks for small media projects like ANP will ensure the growth and self sufficiency of ANP and others like it. Enjoy your new world of media and don't settle for less.
reason wins today.
Narcy's song, The Real Arab Money actually made a difference.
read more here.
Narcy's reaction
more thoughts later.
read more here.
Narcy's reaction
more thoughts later.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Remembering Vahdat
It's been a while since I've talked about Warring Factions. The project is currently sitting in the in-boxes of multiple film festivals. I have been really careful not to over step my festival run. I have multiple tentative screenings for the film which will be released once the film makes it's first big screening.
I wanted to post some raw audio from the film which we filmed inside of Zurkhuneh Vahdat in Tehran. Vahdat means unity and in this case it's referring to the concept of unifying humanity in the spirit of Divine unity.
These two audio tracks were recorded during a demonstration of young varzeshkaran, "athletes", who were coached by Agha Fattahi who was also my teacher. The morshed was a young man whose name escapes me at the moment but I remember that he was one of the most technically talented morsheds that I met in Tehran.
I wanted to post some raw audio from the film which we filmed inside of Zurkhuneh Vahdat in Tehran. Vahdat means unity and in this case it's referring to the concept of unifying humanity in the spirit of Divine unity.
These two audio tracks were recorded during a demonstration of young varzeshkaran, "athletes", who were coached by Agha Fattahi who was also my teacher. The morshed was a young man whose name escapes me at the moment but I remember that he was one of the most technically talented morsheds that I met in Tehran.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Steps Towards Reconciliation
*photo courtesy of Reuters: Atef Hassanread more
[BBC]
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Handala
I saw Handala at the On the Boundary conference at Baylor. I was able to meet the film's producer Peder Wiegner and one of the main subjects of the doc, Lucia Pizarro. Handala takes an interesting look at the occupation and deserves a wide audience. The film also focuses on the growth of non violent resistance movements within Palestine and Israel in addition to foreign organizations that are active in the occupied territories. Handala relates that the ultimate security and peace to the region is a one state solution and not the "roadmap" to a two state myth that will never go anywhere.
Lucia Pizarro, a Mexican convert to Judaism from Catholocism, is one of the subjects to the film that I had the honor to meet. She explained to me the dark irony of her Israeli citizenship. She told me that as a Mexican, she has absolute no connection to Palestine whatsoever. However, her Israeli citizenship and identity as a Jew has given her more rights than a native Palestinian who cannot even live in the land which his or her father lived. Lucia's work with ICAHD (Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions) has gotten her forcefully removed from the site of a Palestinian house reconstruction but has never landed her in an Israeli jail like it has her Palestinian co-workers.
Handala is currently screening on a grass roots level to small cinemas, universities, and community centers. Screening information is available on the film's blog.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Red Bull BC One Recap
This was the first bboy battle that has ever been streamed live on the internet, so that in itself is a bit of a milestone. Paris was a perfect venue for the event because Bboy culture is alive there more than it ever was in the US. Parisian culture mixed with the poor immigrant presence in France is a perfect environment for an art like Breakin.
On a production note, the segments that were produced to air before the battles were cool but really awkward. The directing of the extra segments are downright poor. The only portion of the pre battle footage that felt natural was the underground battle in Paris and Lilou playing soccer with kids in a park. The production of the battles were great but had some faulty directing choices in the early battles.
The battles themselves were dope and looked great in the high quality flash player on the site. The bboys this year were probably the best of any of the previous BC Ones. I went into it looking forward to seeing Just Do it, Taisuke, and Kid David.
I had seen Just Do it (Germany) from a couple clips on the internet and was really impressed by his dynamic flow and creative blow ups. I think the judges should have given him the win in the first round over Cico because even though Cico's power is incredible, all of his enders were either flopped or he just quit early. His presentation was quite low and his tops were non existent. In the judges defense, Just Do It was holding back a lot. A newcomer to the BC One should know that if you're battling someone like Cico you have to come 100%. If he would have came as hard as he did during his German qualifier he could have taken it to the finals.
Kid David has only been around as a newcomer to the big scene for about a year. I met Kid David when he was much younger in 2005 when he came to Tucson for a 2 on 2 battle.
Jesus and I showed up to this battle with some ridiculous outfits which Jesus still claims to this day messed up his performance. We lost to them in the finals after running into the crowd while flopping a double team we came up with called the 2 man coin. Kid David is the protege of Roxrite, who is one of the smartest battlers and one of the original stack style bboys. Kid David has developed his style and has more character than most. I wanted to see Kid David go further but Lil Ceng's execution of some of the most difficult power tricks I have ever seen knocked David out early in the event.
I favored Taisuke from Japan to win the whole thing this year after I saw him at Freestyle Session 11. His beat rocking skills and character in addition to being well rounded with power and tricks make him the model for an amazing bboy. He showed a lot of great battle strategy in the early rounds but eventually fell flat in the finals where it seemed like he was running low on juice and moves. The final battle was a bit disappointing overall because of the fatigue of both competitors. 1 on 1 battles are incredibly difficult and can only be won by bboys with endurance and a full arsenal of moves. Wing of South Korea definitely showed that he had those ingredients.
My dream for next year, is to have a bboy from Iran in the BC One but it's going to take a lot of training to get there. If I go back within the next year, I will train the someone to be the next BC One competitor, God Willing.
*all photos courtesy of Red Bull BC One
On a production note, the segments that were produced to air before the battles were cool but really awkward. The directing of the extra segments are downright poor. The only portion of the pre battle footage that felt natural was the underground battle in Paris and Lilou playing soccer with kids in a park. The production of the battles were great but had some faulty directing choices in the early battles.
The battles themselves were dope and looked great in the high quality flash player on the site. The bboys this year were probably the best of any of the previous BC Ones. I went into it looking forward to seeing Just Do it, Taisuke, and Kid David.
I had seen Just Do it (Germany) from a couple clips on the internet and was really impressed by his dynamic flow and creative blow ups. I think the judges should have given him the win in the first round over Cico because even though Cico's power is incredible, all of his enders were either flopped or he just quit early. His presentation was quite low and his tops were non existent. In the judges defense, Just Do It was holding back a lot. A newcomer to the BC One should know that if you're battling someone like Cico you have to come 100%. If he would have came as hard as he did during his German qualifier he could have taken it to the finals.
Kid David has only been around as a newcomer to the big scene for about a year. I met Kid David when he was much younger in 2005 when he came to Tucson for a 2 on 2 battle.
Jesus and I showed up to this battle with some ridiculous outfits which Jesus still claims to this day messed up his performance. We lost to them in the finals after running into the crowd while flopping a double team we came up with called the 2 man coin. Kid David is the protege of Roxrite, who is one of the smartest battlers and one of the original stack style bboys. Kid David has developed his style and has more character than most. I wanted to see Kid David go further but Lil Ceng's execution of some of the most difficult power tricks I have ever seen knocked David out early in the event.
I favored Taisuke from Japan to win the whole thing this year after I saw him at Freestyle Session 11. His beat rocking skills and character in addition to being well rounded with power and tricks make him the model for an amazing bboy. He showed a lot of great battle strategy in the early rounds but eventually fell flat in the finals where it seemed like he was running low on juice and moves. The final battle was a bit disappointing overall because of the fatigue of both competitors. 1 on 1 battles are incredibly difficult and can only be won by bboys with endurance and a full arsenal of moves. Wing of South Korea definitely showed that he had those ingredients.
My dream for next year, is to have a bboy from Iran in the BC One but it's going to take a lot of training to get there. If I go back within the next year, I will train the someone to be the next BC One competitor, God Willing.
*all photos courtesy of Red Bull BC One
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
A New Page
It looks like what seemed very unlikely has just happened... More comments to come after I figure out what this all could mean for the world.
لا حول ولاقوة إلا بالله
لا حول ولاقوة إلا بالله
McCain is going to win the election
I apologize for this prediction blog but I feel like it's something that I have to say.This election season has been quite interesting and unique considering that Barack Obama has gotten so far as a Presidential Candidate. However, my prediction that Obama will lose today is solely based on my cultural and media observations. I would say that the media frenzy surrounding Sarah Palin was a major turning point for the Republican party. Even though the Obama camp was able to out fundraise the Republicans, Sarah Palin attracted more press than they could have ever paid for. The way TV producer's drooled over Palin's presence was testament to the fact that this woman was TV gold in front of the camera.
Now you may be saying, "Palin has gotten a lot of publicity for looking unintelligent and unqualified so that should hurt the Republican campaign." This would be a great argument in a country that didn't elect George W. Bush twice. No matter how unintelligent the candidate may be, many of the voting public do not base their decisions on the issues most rational people would. From what I
have seen in the last year, those who will be voting McCain this election are either;
a. People who who put adherence to conservative interpretation of social issues before anything else.
b. Wealthy Americans who fear that new fiscal plans may threaten their standard of living.
c. People who see a person of color in office as a threat to the fabric of American (read "white") values.
Sarah Palin's media phenomenon has further perpetuated the appeal to "real" Americans who may not have all the right answers at the right times but they represent someone "we wouldn't mind leaving our kids with" and "are a friendly, familiar face we can trust."
There are many Americans who wouldn't trust a black man with their kids, what makes us think they would elect him into the highest elected office?
I'll say that I hope and pray that I am wrong about what I have said but don't be surprised if McCain wins. Barack Obama winning the election would be a major turn in America for the better, not because Obama is capable of changing the whole country but the election of a man of color into the presidency would give hope to millions of people who feel they will never be able to accomplish much nor be treated as equals. In addition, Obama winning could bring us a tad closer to an America that sees more people like Cynthia McKinney in Congress.
*
Saturday, October 25, 2008
On my way to Baylor
I've been invited to give a talk on Tuesday at Baylor University as a part of their conference, On The Boundary. I'll be speaking about Jihad in America so I'm sure there should be a turnout of curious Texans and Baylor students to hear me try to string sentences together, God willing. I'll be speaking at 9am at the Center for Jewish Studies for all of my Texas readers. I'm the only non-professor speaking so etemas dua to the fullest :)
I'll probably be posting the audio of my presentation next week so stay tuned.
I'll probably be posting the audio of my presentation next week so stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Best Selling Trash vol. I
Walking through a bookstore is a painful experience for most Muslim Americans. This is one reason why.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Post Traumatic Stress and Love
...The Americans gave the slender young woman from Fallujah a job as an interpreter and a room to live in. She earned $1,050 a month, more money than she had ever seen before. But she would never go home to see her family again.
I gave myself bruises listening to this story on my way home from work.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Ramadhan Thoughts
For those that don't know, Ramadhan is a time which Muslims fast from food and drink during daylight hours. However, there is more to the month than the tradition of abstaining from food and drink. This year has been unique for me because it has been my first Ramadhan outside of the Islamic community that I grew up with. Organizing an Islamic program, picking up food, cleaning up the place of gathering has been something I have done for the last few years of my life an now I am in a new stage. Due to recent events in my life, I have been exposed to a different Ramadhan experience. For the first time, I am realizing the value of family and gathering more frequently in this month. The daily schedule is revised in this month to be conducive to spiritual growth and family bonding. Waking up in the morning before the time of the morning prayer increases the moments the devote spend in reflecting their lives in relation to the Divine. The pangs of
hunger during daylight hours brings the believer to a
state of humility while drawing attention to their motives for making such a sacrifice. As the time for the night prayer comes close, the believer waits with anticipation of dedicating his or her fast to God and reaching out towards the Infinite in the form of formal prayer.
This month is also designed as a time for self reflection but one cannot take advantage of it completely without making time for such spiritual exercise. It was not until the night of the 21st that I realized the magnitude of prayers that are said in this month and the effect of the Divine promise to answer those prayers. At the end of a 20 hour work shift, a call to an Islamic television station from Iran painted this picture clearly. Laying in bed a man desperately sought spiritual guidance in his time of passing. His cancer had escalated to a stage which he felt more productive in asking his Creator to take him from this life than asking to be cured. His greatest disappointment being that he was unable to partake in fasting even though his condition made him exempt from it. His heartache was one based in his inability to reach his Creator in a way that his fellow Muslims took for granted.
As the month comes to a close I realize that love for proximity to Greatness is the greatest of wealth.
*photo courtesy of Deviantart
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Leila Khaled Hijacker
Taking a break from the madness for 62 minutes last night meant watching Leila Khaled- Hijacker
Palestinian- Swedish filmmaker Lina Makboul shoots Leila's legacy and contemporary life in Jordan, including herself as a woman who used to idolize Leila in her childhood but had mixed feelings about her in her adult life.
The film is a short and sweet 62 minutes but needs to be seen. Unfortunately the film is only available on Region 2 DVD which means if you're in the US it can probably only be viewed on your computer. Buy the film on the website.
Palestinian- Swedish filmmaker Lina Makboul shoots Leila's legacy and contemporary life in Jordan, including herself as a woman who used to idolize Leila in her childhood but had mixed feelings about her in her adult life.
The film is a short and sweet 62 minutes but needs to be seen. Unfortunately the film is only available on Region 2 DVD which means if you're in the US it can probably only be viewed on your computer. Buy the film on the website.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Supplication
20:25 Said [Moses]: "O my Sustainer! Open up my heart,
قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي
20:26 and make my task easy for me, |
| 20:27 and loosen the knot from my tongue |
| 20:28 so that they might fully understand my speech, يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي |
| 20:29 and appoint for me, out of my kinsfolk, one who will help me to bear my burden: وَاجْعَل لِّي وَزِيرًا مِّنْ أَهْلِي |
Saturday, July 26, 2008
To the fans..
While waiting on my DVDs I got an official publicist for the film.
The trailer was posted on digg, so make sure to go digg it up.
I want to try to go back to Iran within a year depending on what happens with Warring Factions. I thought a random image from Iran would be appropriate to sum up how I feel right now.
The trailer was posted on digg, so make sure to go digg it up.
I want to try to go back to Iran within a year depending on what happens with Warring Factions. I thought a random image from Iran would be appropriate to sum up how I feel right now.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Busy Bees
Haven't had an update for a while but I'll give you the rundown.
I have relocated to the city of angels (yeah right).
The press screeners have officially been sent to be manufactured.
The Warring Factions site is up and running along with a new trailer and it's waiting for you to come enjoy it. Big props to Randall French for cutting an amazing trailer and Tom Madrid for working crazy hard on the site.
I have been sending some home printed screeners to a few fests with upcoming and/or passed deadlines.
A new myspace page should be up tonight.
Get ready for the next step, and if you haven't already done it, subscribe to this blog by email on the right.
I have relocated to the city of angels (yeah right).
The press screeners have officially been sent to be manufactured.
The Warring Factions site is up and running along with a new trailer and it's waiting for you to come enjoy it. Big props to Randall French for cutting an amazing trailer and Tom Madrid for working crazy hard on the site.
I have been sending some home printed screeners to a few fests with upcoming and/or passed deadlines.
A new myspace page should be up tonight.
Get ready for the next step, and if you haven't already done it, subscribe to this blog by email on the right.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
WarringFactions.com and update
WarringFactions.com is currently set to redirect to this blog but it will soon be the new home for the film. There will be a new trailer in addition to production stills.
The final touches are being made on the film (subtitles, titles, etc) and I will be exporting for the DVD with Tom Madrid who is designing the DVD menus and website.
I'm aiming to send away for duplication by Friday (inshAllah).
The final touches are being made on the film (subtitles, titles, etc) and I will be exporting for the DVD with Tom Madrid who is designing the DVD menus and website.
I'm aiming to send away for duplication by Friday (inshAllah).
Friday, June 20, 2008
DVD commentary
Sat down with JorDan Fuller a few nights ago to record a director's commentary which will reside on the screener DVD. I figured if I didn't do it now, I would never have time to do it later.
JorDan is directing his new short which will be shot in Mexico in July.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
DVD Screener cover
I've been excited about this for a while. The poster is designed by Marcos Oliva who is also designing my DVD art. I will be making a run with Discmakers for my festival and press screeners. For screener inquires email js.mashouf (at) gmail
Screeners won't be ready for another 2 weeks
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wrapping it up
I would say that one of the biggest challenges in making this film is deciding how to end it. So much has happened in the course of developing and executing that ending the film is a major ordeal. When does this film end and the next begin?
My last two sessions of feedback were great yet incredibly different. One feedback made me feel like it was great and ready to be in the can. The second feedback made me feel like taking another month to breathe.
I'm not sure which way it will go but I do know that I am very happy with what I do have. Stick around to see what happens.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sean Bell
As disappointed I was to hear the news of the final verdict of the Sean Bell case, I cannot completely grasp the feeling of utter disappointment and frustration that Black Americans must have in wake of this injustice. I found one of my favorite artist's thoughts on the verdict to be enlightening.
-Pharoah Monch
"I live less than fifteen blocks from the Sean Bell crime scene. Where today Friday April 25th the police officers have been acquitted on all charges. My limbs feel paralyzed and my body is numb. Although I know the power of not living one life in fear, I admit to feeling kind of nervous about going to the gym this morning, knowing the police and undercover presence will be at terrorist level. One of the superiors of the N.Y.C. detectives stated, "these police officers did not wake up that morning to commit a crime", but on the flip side of that, Sean Bell on the eve of his wedding did not go out that night to be killed. Every time a tragedy like this occurs it cuts deep. People know how big a sports fan I am, and I often use sports analogies in my writing. So here we go, this one goes out to preverbal hood! The system has adjusted its defense and its offense in accordance to your everyday game plan. Our objective is obvious, WIN THE GAME OF LIFE AT ALL COST! Healthy, free of sickness and depression, poverty. Happy with love in your heart for your family and your seeds. Inspired to show your kids how to succeed by example. Free, free to walk, free to think clearly free to hug your children. But sadly, WE ARE GETTING BLOWN OUT! It's not even close. Let me speak for myself. I struggle to stay optimistic because its not only about me I have compassion for all those in the struggle. Up until last year this time I just got my health insurance situation straight and was paying out of pocket for asthma medication and I'm sure most of the people out here who will read this blog can relate. At least to the point where you remember not having health insurance if you do now. You don't know stress until your contemplating going to the hospital during an asthma attack because you don't have insurance. We are losing in all facets of the game my dude, and I'm pissed, I'm ten times the soar loser that Kobe Bryant is. I HATE TO LOSE! As an emcee I feel like one of the many coaches in the game right now, we have to change the game plan. It's only halftime. We have to (hustle) smarter.
We have to encourage education in our children so that if they're called to take the stand at a trial they can express their sentiment clearly and articulately. I guess this is an outcry to all the other coaches and managers out there, any ideas on how we can at least get the tie for overtime."
-Pharoah Monch
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Iranica and Finkelstein
I saw a talk on the Encyclopedia Iranica project at the U of A. Multiple members of the UA faculty have contributed articles to the ongoing project. The website needs a better design but the articles beat Wikipedia for sure.
I also had the chance to shoot a casual discussion with Norman Finkelstein earlier this week when he came and spoke at the University. I'll share the link when the event organizers let me know where it's internet home will be.
I also had the chance to shoot a casual discussion with Norman Finkelstein earlier this week when he came and spoke at the University. I'll share the link when the event organizers let me know where it's internet home will be.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Terrifying: USA vs Al-Arian
I came across this documentary a few months ago and have been waiting for its DVD distribution in the US. Looks like Link TV will be airing it a few times in May but they have also made the whole thing available online as well.
An excerpt from the summary:
In February 2003, the FBI arrested university professor and political activist Sami Al-Arian in Tampa, Florida. Charged with supporting terrorism, he was placed in solitary confinement for 2 1/2 years before he received a trial.
The film follows Sami, his wife Nahla and their five children through the 6 month long trial and the difficult period after the verdict. It is a personal story of a family, who like many Muslims in the USA today, are fighting against increasing stigmatization and discrimination in a post 911-climate.
The film deals with themes of freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial. It also shows how the media influence public opinion and how the USA`s fear of and fight against terrorism can threaten civil liberties.
The scariest thing about this story is that Dr. Al Arian is still in prison to this day. This film rang very close to home for me especially after my ordeal in Atlanta. Stay tuned to their website, buy it, and screen it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
update after a while
So if you're wondering, I'm not dead. I'll share a few thoughts with you to prove it.
. Picture locking a film is like deciding when it's time to ask someone to marry you.
. Hillary's recent statements regarding her far fetched hypothetical situation with Iran have amazed me. I liken her statements to a child playing the hypothetical threat game..."if you have Superman powers, I'll hire Lex Luther to pull out the kryptonite." In addition, mentioning Iran as a country that would use nuclear weapons without even having them is absurd, or would it be worse if she said the same thing to North Korea? This display of fear-mongering and war drumming is just the type of thing that the world should see as being dangerous to the security of the world.
. Picture locking a film is like deciding when it's time to ask someone to marry you.
. Hillary's recent statements regarding her far fetched hypothetical situation with Iran have amazed me. I liken her statements to a child playing the hypothetical threat game..."if you have Superman powers, I'll hire Lex Luther to pull out the kryptonite." In addition, mentioning Iran as a country that would use nuclear weapons without even having them is absurd, or would it be worse if she said the same thing to North Korea? This display of fear-mongering and war drumming is just the type of thing that the world should see as being dangerous to the security of the world.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Iran Footage: Learn English
Catch the end for a few hilarious moments of an English learning show on Iranian television.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Prof. Aslan on War with Iran
I have to disagree with him towards the end because a new conflict and batch of US at war propaganda would boost McCain's polls.
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