Edmonton Premiere of a New Documentary Anti-Racism and Islamophobia

You are cordially invited to join us for a special evening featuring the Edmonton premiere of a new documentary on Anti-Racism and Islamophobia –- with a documentary on Anti-racism, with a foreword by the HONOURABLE SALMA LAKHANI, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta –- and prerecorded remarks from AMIRA ELGHAWABY, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia.

The evening includes a complimentary Dinner Reception.

Please register no later than March 31, 5 PM.

This documentary is produced by the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities.

The event is co-sponsored by the Canada Research Chair in the Politics of Citizenship and Human Rights; the ECMC Chair in Islamic Studies; and the Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (MEIS) at the University of Alberta.

When: Friday April 4, 2025 (6:00-9:00 PM)

Where: University of Alberta, Telus Centre, Room 150

111 Street 87 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T6G 2R1

The Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities (ECMC) documentary on Anti-racism, with a foreword by Honorable Salma Lakhani, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, is intended to draw attention to the issue of Islamophobia and its impact on some individuals and families within the Muslim community. While highlighting certain unfortunate aspects of Islamophobia through real-life interviews and stories, much of the 6-part documentary – with a total viewing time of approximately one hour – also focuses on the numerous positive achievements and societal contributions of Alberta Muslims in every walk of life for over a century. Based on partial funding from the Government of Alberta, as well as being preceded by a position paper on Islamophobia, the documentary has been produced in collaboration with the Mosquers group. This Edmonton-based group holds an annual film festival that aims to educate, entertain and build bridges through showcasing talent and the diverse Muslim experience.

Amira Elghawaby, a journalist and human rights advocate, became Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia in January 2023. Prior to her appointment, she was a contributing columnist at the Toronto Star, offering frequent media commentary on equity and inclusion. Amira, with a background in strategic communications and campaigns, previously worked at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and held roles in Canada's labour movement and the National Council of Canadian Muslims. Amira has been actively involved in initiatives countering hate and promoting inclusion, including as a founding board member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network. She has served two terms as a Commissioner on the Public Policy Forum’s Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression and currently sits on the National Security Transparency Advisory Group.

Amira’s 2019 TedX Ottawa talk is titled “Multiculturalism: Worth Defending.”