Akram Shibly is a filmmaker and screenwriter whose work focuses on storytelling, community, and the power of film to capture real-life experiences. He is the director of Thank You for Thinking of Me, a documentary that follows the aftermath of a tragedy during a Black Lives Matter protest in Buffalo in 2020.

In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Akram joins me to discuss the story behind his documentary and the tragic incident that brought two people together whose lives were forever changed.

We discuss the importance of trust and care in documentary filmmaking, including how he balanced capturing the family’s experiences with respecting their privacy and personal boundaries.

Our conversation covers the misrepresentation of Muslims in the media, the importance of authentic storytelling, and why Muslim filmmakers should have the freedom to tell diverse stories about their communities.

Akram explains the challenges of independent filmmaking and the responsibility of Muslim institutions to support artists. He also reveals how to pursue a creative career without taking unnecessary financial risks.

Join us today as we dive into the story behind Thank You for Thinking of Me, the power of community advocacy, challenging Muslim stereotypes through film, supporting Muslim filmmakers, and how storytelling can inspire meaningful change.