Aspiring Muslim writers, directors, actors introduced to entertainment

industry

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Greater Los Angeles
 Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) and FOX
 Television recently co-hosted a "Hollywood 101" workshop and studio tour to
 introduce aspiring Muslim writers, directors and actors to the
 entertainment industry. The event, held at FOX Studios in Century City, was
 also designed to help promote a positive change in Hollywood's portrayal of
 Muslims and Arabs.
 
     Those taking part in the event included students and entry-level
 professionals hoping to build contacts in the industry and seeking tips on
 advancing their careers. Participants were given a tour of the studio lot,
 a presentation on FOX internships and a one-hour interactive seminar
 featuring five industry professionals.
 
     One participant, Nadia Afghani, said the unique event introduced her to
 the possibilities awaiting Muslim artists in the entertainment industry.
 "The CAIR Hollywood 101 seminar was phenomenal...I walked away that day
 feeling inspired, motivated, and hopeful for the Muslim (community)," said
 Afghani.
 
     CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said efforts to engage media
 outlets that shape popular culture are crucial to promoting an accurate and
 balanced portrayal of Muslims in America and around the world.
 
     "Our goal is to help nurture aspiring Muslim artists and to act as
 facilitators in providing support to emerging Muslim talent in the
 entertainment industry," said Ayloush.
 
     Ayloush thanked FOX, in particular its Diversity Department, for
 co-hosting the event and realizing the importance of engaging young
 American Muslims who seek to work as entertainment content creators.
 
     CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 33 offices
 and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the
 understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties,
 empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and
 mutual understanding.
 
     CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847
 or 714-851-4851, E-Mail: socal@cair.com
 
 
 
 

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations