Impact Days Catalogue
fifdh
By Richard Finn Gregory

The Radical

IMPACT DAYS

The Radical is an intimate portrait of Muhsin Hendricks – a fashion designer in Cape Town, who became the world’s first openly gay imam, a Muslim religious leader. Despite death threats and opposition, he established the radically-inclusive mosque in South Africa that started the global queer Muslim network. Today, Hendricks leads a devoted group based in a working-class neighbourhood. He decides to take his work to where it is needed most: the East African communities living under anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The film provides first-person accounts of growing up queer in a society caught between the liberalism of the South African Constitution and the conservativeness of its cultures and history. In the wider African context, it chronicles individual journeys to acceptance amidst the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

Sections : Impact Days, Impact Days
Country : South Africa, Kenya
Original language : English
Director
Richard Finn Gregory (South Africa)
Producers
Richard Finn Gregory (South Africa)
Kelly Scott (United States)
Daniel Karslake (Germany)
GOOD WORK
Completion
January 2021
Impact Statement
This film is adressed to A non-Muslim audience who are interested in human rights / LGBTQ+ issues. They should understand that faith can be far more diverse and peaceful than the news headlines show. Secondly, mainstream Muslims have usually been told that LGBTQ+ issues are haram – forbidden – because they have never been provided with another viewpoint. This film should make them question this assumption, to be more accepting of queer people within the community. Finally, there are Muslims who struggle with their sexuality and gender identity. This film should enable them to accept all of their identities fully and give them hope that there are mosques that welcome them with open arms.
Through screenings, accompanying materials and social media, The Radical seeks to challenge preconceived notions about the acceptance of LGBTQ+ identity within Islam, so that the marginalized can be included within the faith.
Impact Goals
  1. Have community screenings worldwide via progressive mosques, activist groups, and LGBTQ+ organizations to ensure that the film is screened widely to stimulate discussion and debate. (We have a list of approximately 60 organizations that we are approaching with these screenings in mind.)
  2. Develop a complementary workbook to accompany screenings that expand on the contents of the film and offer more in-depth resources.
  3. Create a social media campaign to enhance visibility of the LGBTQ+ Muslim community, so that those who have no access to progressive local communities, can find support online.
  4. Raise funds for Imam Muhsin Hendricks to continue with his in-person training across Africa.
Impact Strategy
  • Raise funds for an impact producer to help conceptualize and manage the outreach campaign.
  • Identify an extensive list of potential partners to support the film, via community screenings and social media amplification.
  • Fund the development of the complementary materials to accompany the film, to be created by Imam Muhsin Hendricks and the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation.
  • Fund the in-person trainings in Africa held by Imam Muhsin Hendricks, via partnerships with other bodies who already do progressive work in the area, such as the Goethe Institute, Church of Sweden or Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Contact
Primary contact
Richard Finn Gregory (South Africa): richard@goodworkpictures.com
Participant present at the Impact Days
Richard Finn Gregory (South Africa)

Al-Ghurbaah Foundation

Al-Ghurbaah Foundation