A film screening of “A Sinner in Mecca,” by Parvez Sharma, followed by a lecture/discussion with the director, will be held on Wednesday, April 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., in McEwen Hall Room 209.
Mr. Sharma has created multiple award-winning films about faith, identity, religious extremism and social justice. His 2015 documentary, “A Sinner in Mecca,” was shot mostly with an iPhone, guerrilla-style, as Sharma, an openly gay man, travels to Mecca to reveal a side of Islam that has literally never been seen before.
“We emerge from the film more enlightened,” wrote The New York Times, naming it a Critics’ Pick. The film tells the story of Sharma’s own pilgrimage and documents his struggle not only with his faith and sexuality, but also oppressive governments as he addresses problems to create a better future for all queer Muslims.
Sharma and his film well illustrate the intersections of sexuality, race, and faith in the formation of identity. Pride Alliance is hosting the event to educate the campus community about intersectionality by bringing light to issues not often encountered at Fredonia. The program is free and open to the public.
