AL IMAM

Omar Al Dakheel - 19 mins | USA, 2019

Despite controversy and threats, Muslim spiritual leader Ani Zonneveld takes a stand for justice through activism and a progressive practice of Islam. Enduring threats, excommunication from family, and opposition from many fellow Muslims, she insists that the Qur'an is a progressive text and believes in an egalitarian view of Islam.

Available in all territories

Competition International Documentary

Omar Al Dakheel

Born and raised in Kuwait, Omar Al Dakheel moved to the US at 17 after receiving a full merit scholarship to the University of Miami. After graduating with a BA in Theatre Arts and a BS in Broadcast Journalism, he went on to earn his MFA at the USC School of Cinematic Arts where he focused on Writing and Directing.

Omar directed "Jihad in Hollywood", featuring Werner Herzog, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Kuwait Intl. Film Festival and is now available on Al Jazeera. Omar also directed the award winning short fiction film "Ablution" which screened at over 60 film festivals worldwide including the Austin Film Festival where he now now serves as a member of the the selection committee. 

Omar is based in Hollywood. His goal is to tell diverse stories with universal values that can bridge the gap between the East and the West.