NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, February 4, 2015 /EINPresswire.com/ -- It would be accurate to state that there have been a number of misconceptions in the portrayal of those of Islamic faith in both mainstream television and film. Regardless of the cause of this depiction of Muslims, the result has often held a negative connotation. This often robs younger Muslims of good role models. This is not to state that there have been no positive Muslim characters in movies. However the scale has been tipped by the use of many Muslim characters who have been either one dimensional stereotypes or much worse terrorists or villains of some sort. To put it simply this is not fair. Filmmakers Yusuf Al-Rahman and Hasan Muhammad are determined to change this perspective for the better.

“Niya” is a Muslim feature film which represents the first project in this series for Yusuf and Hasan. “Niya” is a story about a Muslim family that faces many relatable sources of stress which all families confront. This includes an economic crisis which forces crippling worry about having just enough financial stability to survive. The family is also threatened to be split apart by bad temptations and negative influences. There is a valuable lesson to be learned in that sometimes the best intentions lead us in the wrong direction. Throughout the story these people strive to keep their faith and family together regardless of the obstacles which life throws at them. “Nyla” will be produced on a tidy budget. This budget will be met by using a skeleton crew and is possible thanks to a compelling story. The profoundly human nature of “Niya” makes it a film which everyone can enjoy.

Yusuf has a healthy list of credentials including being a ZAFAA 2014 African Academy Award nominated filmmaker. He also holds a Master from Sacred Heart University’s with a concentration in screen writing and film directing. Storytelling has always been Yusuf’s passion. In his career he has written several screenplays and five short films. Along with Hasan he believes that it is his responsibility to fill a void with positive Muslim films about this vast and culturally diverse community. Brooklyn born Hasan Muhammad is a critically acclaimed filmmaker in his own right. An extensive martial arts movie collector, Hasan is currently finishing production on a feature length documentary. Together they have the talent and the experience needed to make a quality film. “Niya” will act as a real step towards dispelling the false myths fueled by violent extremists who use Islam for their own purposes. It is fighting ignorance with knowledge. In this work Yusuf is showing all of us a glimpse into the lives of the vast majority of Muslims. These Muslims are law abiding citizens who worry about raising their family, taking care of their bills and being a caring citizen.

The ultimate goal of “Niya” is to spark the creation of a Muslim Renaissance in the medium of film. Ideally this will be done through a continuing series of family oriented films which are designed to both entertain and educate. They are many worthwhile Muslim notions which teach us lessons that some of us tend to forget. For example the Islamic faith teaches that women are the foundation of Islam and that paradise lies at the footsteps of your mother. This devotion to one’s mother is an indication of the high importance which Muslims place on family. The list of issues which are going to receive a fresh perspective thanks to this series is almost endless. Topics include family financial issues, education and women’s rights.

“Niya” is not just going to be an entertaining film, it is also going to be a culturally positive depiction of the real and relatable people who follow the Islamic faith. In order to make this film a reality a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign has begun and will continue until February 28th. Those who make a crowdfunding pledge of 25 dollars will receive a DVD copy of “Niya” and the official tee shirt. Greater donation levels include many exciting opportunities including attending a private New York screening of the film or receiving a producer credit for the film. Visit the “Niya” Kickstarter page for more details.

About:
Filmmakers Yusuf Al-Rahman and Hasan Muhammad are currently planning the production of a feature film titled “Niya”. This film revolves around a Muslim family which strives to stay together through an economic crisis and bad temptations. This positive cultural depiction of Islam is currently being supported by a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.

Yusuf Al-Rahman
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