- Muslim Girl Power, UK Muslim Life
Short film, Nobody’s Metaphor follows four teenage Muslim girls as they learn to fence and express themselves, challenging discrimination in the process. It is a powerful documentary with much contemporary relevance, especially for our young women.
- January 21, 2022
- Nooreh
- Films for Muslim Children, Kashmir
Nooreh is an award-winning film set in a village on the India-Pakistan border. Told from the perspective of an eight-year-old Muslim girl, it is a subtle and powerful story about the effects of conflict on children.
- January 19, 2022
- American Muslim Cinema
On A Wing and A Prayer is a heart-warming documentary that follows Monem Salam's attempts to get a US pilot's license. A film about a resilient family as American and suburban as The Simpsons, but Muslim!
- January 14, 2022
- Somos Musalmanes: The Tzotzil Muslims of Chiapas
- Muslim History Films, Muslims in Mexico
A small community of Muslim Tzotzils, an ethnic group descended from the Maya, live in the mountains of San Cristobal in Chiapas State, Mexico. New documentary Somos Musulmanes, tells their story and explores a fundamental period in late 20th century Mexican history.
- January 12, 2022
- Art In The Muslim World
From Islamic art history and traditional Muslim craft, to contemporary art and photography from Muslim artists, here are five films that present just some of variety in our visual arts of the Muslim world film collection.
- January 7, 2022
- Muriid
- Spiritual Cinema
Muriid is a moving and poetic tale about a young man committing to a spiritual path. It is a great Muslim antidote to all the new year commercial and social pressures to make grand changes to the way you live.
- January 5, 2022
- Alchemiya Favourites 2021
The best Muslim film, drama, movies and documentaries of 2021. Some Alchemiya team favourites
- December 31, 2021
- By Compass and Quran
- Australian Muslim History
Two documentaries about the little known story of the Muslim Camel drivers in Australia. By Compass and Quran is rich in social, historical and political detail while G’Day Cameleers is a great way to introduce this story to children.
- December 23, 2021
- Dervish: A Spiritual Sojourn
- Indian Sufi History
Documentary Dervish: A Spiritual Sojourn takes you on an epic quest through faith, music, architecture and history to rediscover the long lost Sufi Saint who instructed Hazrat Inayat Khan to unite the east and west through Sufism.
- December 23, 2021
- Muslim Female Filmakers
We look at Muslim female filmmakers on Alchemiya who are representing themselves and their communities, and highlighting the issues they care about through film, animation and documentary.
- December 22, 2021
- Muslim Female Filmakers
This special feature looks at Muslim female filmmakers who are redefining Muslim representation, raising challenging issues and overcoming barriers in the Film and Television industry. We talk to Lena Khan.
- December 16, 2021
- Made in Palestine
- Palestinian Cinema
Documentary, Made in Palestine, is about Palestinian kuffiyeh factory, Hirbawi Textiles in Hebron, the West Bank. Beautiful and moving, the film is a gentle mirror of Palestine’s struggle for statehood. We talk to filmmaker Mariam Dwedar.
- December 15, 2021
- Two and a Half Muslims
- Muslim Comedy
Canadian comedy drama series, Two and a Half Muslims, is a spiritual twist on a comedic classic. Funny and, educational, it makes you laugh, challenges preconceptions, and reminds us all how to be Muslim!
- December 10, 2021
- Jalal ad-Din Rumi
- Rumi On Film
Rumi is one of the Islamic world's greatest poets with a spiritual legacy for Muslims over seven centuries. We look at Rumi’s real biography and history in film and documentary, and take a trip to his shrine in Konya, Turkey.
- December 6, 2021
- Bab’Aziz: The Prince Who Contemplated His Soul
- Spiritual Cinema
Bab’Aziz: The Prince Who Contemplated His Soul is a meditative spiritual journey that feeds the soul. A triumphant illustration of the beauty of Islamic culture and Sufism.
- December 3, 2021
- Captain Abu Raed
- Arab Cinema
Jordanian film Captain Abu Raed is a brave and beautiful piece of work that won numerous awards on its release in 2007. We take a look at the film and talk to its director.
- December 3, 2021
- Malaysian Drama Series
This acclaimed and controversial Malaysian drama series explores faith, love, self-interest, fame, family and hypocrisy within the Muslim community.
- December 3, 2021
- Turkish Cinema
Turkish Director, Bekir Bulbul’s debut feature, My Short Words (Benim Küçük Sözlerim) is a gentle, family film about childhood and friendship. It is also about the fundamental essence of nature and the necessity of slowing down and contemplating its beauty while we can.
- December 3, 2021
- Muslim Family Film
Majid, is a tale about a young orphan trying to find memories of his parents in a bustling city in Morocco. Tender and tear-jerking but with a lot of laughs and many thoughtful observations, Majid is great Muslim family entertainment.
- November 24, 2021
- Sacred Muslim Music
Filmmaker Amar Chebib travelled to Damascus and Aleppo in 2010 intending to make a documentary about Syrian sacred music, but six months later the revolution began. Touched by the harrowing experiences of his friends the film was transformed to tell the stories of those musicians as they became refugees.
- November 24, 2021
- Historical Drama Series
Omar: The Second Caliph is a unique and much celebrated drama series that tells the story of Islam through the perspective of Omar ibn al-Khattab, the second Rashidun Caliph. Historically accurate and beautifully made, countless Hadith are brought to life as we travel with Omar on one of Islam’s most important spiritual journeys.
- November 24, 2021
- Historical Drama Series
Everybody loves a good series but how often can you find dramas and films that are Muslim biopics, historical Islamic records and educationally and spiritually uplifting all at the same time? See our Giants of Islam collection!
- November 24, 2021
- PAKISTANI CINEMA
Based on William Shakespeare's play, Measure for Measure, Pakistani film Rahm is an award-winning tale of mercy, justice and compassion that amplifies the contemporary importance of a Muslim spiritual and cultural message.
- November 24, 2021
- International Muslim Film
These five unusual and rare gems of global Muslim film making are from Japan, Malaysia, Yemen, Syria and Iran. A great selection of international Muslim films with very different stories to tell.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim Mental Health
Islamic exorcism versus western medication? Djinn possession or mental health issues? Senstive documentary, Descending with Angels, explores Islamic and western approaches to treating Danish Muslims who believe they are possessed by djinn, while the fictional Makr looks at the consequences of spiritual fraud.
- November 24, 2021
- Contemporary Muslim Film
Tarek Mounib, a Canadian-Egyptian entrepreneur living in Switzerland decided he was going to attempt some cross cultural understanding by reaching out to people who fear him because he is Muslim. He did this by offering Americans an entirely free trip to Egypt and making a film about it.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim Heroes
Pakistan’s ‘Angel of Mercy’, Abdul Sattar Edhi, devoted his life to protecting Pakistan’s poor. The Khayaal Theatre Company’s tribute, Edhi Means Love, is a heartfelt film that conveys the life of this humanitarian hero. Our review includes an interview with the film’s producer Luqman Ali.
- November 24, 2021
- Traditional Stories
If you are looking for good stories for Muslim children, especially the younger ones, take a look at Tales from the Magic Carpet. Told in traditional style, these 17 short films tell captivating stories with morals and meaning from the Muslim world and beyond.
- November 24, 2021
- Black Muslims
Despite forming 10% of the British Muslim population, Black Muslims feel displaced in both Islamic and black history narratives. For the UK’s Black History Month we look at Black and Muslim in Britain, a highly entertaining documentary that gives agency to Black British Muslims, whilst challenging Islamophobic and racist stereotypes.
- November 24, 2021
- Global Muslim Culture
There are more than 2 billion Muslims on Earth with between 45 and 50 countries having designated Muslim majority status. However, there are Muslim minorities in almost every country around the world and these five documentaries look at some of their stories.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim Heritage
There are many magnificent museums of Islamic art and culture all around the world. From the oldest to the newest, these documentaries show just some of the creative beauty in Muslim art history.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslims In Europe
De Staat van der Nederlandse Moslim 2020 (The State of the Dutch Muslim 2020) is a documentary featuring interviews and commentary from eighteen different people. This poetically moving and deeply insightful film examines what it means to be Dutch and Muslim at the present time.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim History Films
The Hands of Time is a thought provoking and spiritual documentary as two Muslim clockmakers reflect on the intimate relationship they develop with the clocks they touch and the inner dimensions of the nature of time.
- November 24, 2021
- Islamic Art Museums
London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and Jameel Gallery hold one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the world. The collection embodies Muslim creative and Islamic art history while the annual Jameel Prize celebrates contemporary Islamic art.
- November 24, 2021
- Islamic Architecture
Mosques: Divine in form, sacred in function, they are among the most beautiful and most enduring achievements of Islamic civilisation. Watch these beautiful films about Islamic Mosques across the world.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim Kids Tv
Contemporary animations featuring Muslim kids and families are a rich and important medium for children to learn about their history, culture and identity. Here are some to watch.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim History Films
Five must watch films and documentaries about Muslim and Islamic history inspiring, educational and unique. Our ‘Must Watch’ list for anyone interested in Muslim and Islamic history.
- November 24, 2021
- Pakistan History
The creation of Pakistan on August 14th 1947, is a milestone in modern Muslim history. To celebrate 75 years of national independence, Alchemiya presents Iqbal: Message from the East, a historical journey through the life and legacy of Muhammad Iqbal, the poet and visionary behind the founding of Pakistan.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim Sports Superstars
The Tokyo Olympics is packed with Muslim sports superstars from all across the globe. Here are some favourites plus a round up of Muslim sports trailblazers and champions in film and documentary on Alchemiya.
- November 24, 2021
- Muslim Sports Superstars
Dalilah Muhammad is a track and field athlete who specialises in the 400 metres hurdles. She got gold in the 2016 Olympics in Rio and is going for gold in Tokyo. Story of Determination is a short documentary on Alchemiya in which she talks about her life, her career and being Muslim.
- November 24, 2021
- American Muslim Cinema
There are a lot of documentaries on Alchemiya that look at what it means to be American and Muslim. Some are quirky and light-hearted, some face serious issues head- on and others just celebrate the joy and inspiration of being part of a community.
- November 24, 2021
- The Hajj Collection
Explore our curated Hajj collection of films and archive that captures the tests, trials, and spiritual impact of this important Muslim act of worship.
- November 24, 2021
- Generation 'M'
Two films that explore the issues of Muslim identity.
- November 24, 2021
- Moroccan Culture
Kasbah - the Music of Morocco is a part of a global project that brings together ethics, respect and creative cooperation.
- November 24, 2021
- Egyptian Animation
Egypt’s first ever animated feature film and an entirely Arab production. A completely different experience from the tiresome predictability of Hollywood Muslim stereotypes.
- November 24, 2021
- American Muslim Cinema
Cinema has a role to play in centering and celebrating the black Muslim experience. There are not enough films that explore the black American Muslim narrative, Zahra and the Oilman is a rare gem.
- November 24, 2021
- British Muslim History
In the late 1960’s a steady stream of British hippies encounter Islam on the trail to Morocco. This is the story of the ones that return to England and call people to Islam.
- November 24, 2021
- On the Footsteps of the Hui People
- Muslim In China
Alchemiya presents a new documentary telling the little known story of China’s largest Muslim minority group, the Hui. Starting with Islam’s introduction to China in the 7th century, Muslims in China: On the Footsteps of the Hui People is a historical and cross-cultural epic of faith, community and survival.
- July 30, 2021
- Palestinian Collection
Alchemiya is committed to celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Muslim world. Educating ourselves and others about the traditions and heritage of the Palestinian people is one of the best ways to honour and support them.
- May 22, 2021
- Pakistani Comedy
hort film Fruit Chaat is written by Tanzila Khan. She also plays the main role of Shabana, who navigates her life in Pakistan with a disability. Funny and irreverent, her talent and creativity shines through. Like the real Fruit Chaat, you will want a second helping.
- April 30, 2021
- Ramadan Bites
Ramadan is a time for both fasting and feasting. We celebrate the flavours of the Muslim world and how they found their way to the USA.
- April 23, 2021
- Animation
Alchemiya is privileged to be able to host the animated work of M for Moon, a creative enterprise that emerged over the past year as a way of introducing children to the Quran and encouraging adults to engage with the beauty of the Arabic language.
- April 16, 2021
- Muslim Fright Flick
It doesn't matter where you're from, what language you speak, or what denomination/sect you subscribe to, if you're a Muslim you've probably heard a spooky story about djinns, genies and ghostly going ons! Ibraheem Ali reviews Makr, an intriguing story that kept him awake all night.
- April 9, 2021
- Traditional Crafts
Valerie Grove explores Alchemiya’s collection of films about traditional Islamic arts, an appreciation of craftspeople, materials and knowledge from across the Muslim world.
- April 2, 2021
- PAKISTANI CINEMA
“Losing a loved one, specially one's parents isn't an anguish you get over with. Somehow a part of your memory, lingers in the moments spent relishing with them. You submerge yourself in a false euphoria, the lament doesn't go and you become used to it. We miss all the great things that will never be.”
- March 19, 2021
- Pakistan Collection
The Pakistani film and television industry is producing great titles, thanks to a new generation of independent producers and talent. It’s not all never-ending thunderstorms and evil mothers-in-law.
- March 18, 2021
- Palestinian Cinema
Inspired by a day in the life of Palestinian painter Ismail Shammout, Ismail tells the compelling story of a young man struggling to support his parents after their expulsion to a Refugee camp in 1948. Valerie Grove speaks to director Nora Alsharif, whose father, Hatem Alsharif wrote the story.
- March 12, 2021
- Islamic Art
From the tradition of Quranic script to poetic verse, Islamic calligraphy is a sacred art form integral to Muslim culture and civilisation. Alchemiya has curated a collection of films that explore its history and variety.
- March 8, 2021
- Our Content
At Alchemiya we sift through endless hours of movies and TV shows before we finalise what we show you. We search across the globe to bring you content that meets a clear criteria - A celebration of Muslim values, culture, heritage and ideas.
- March 2, 2021
- Halal Comedy
Comedian Preacher Moss grew up with jazz, a musical form to which American Muslims have been definitive contributors, and it is John Coltrane’s 1965 devotional masterwork, A Love Supreme that inspired the title of this film. Recorded live in California in 2018, this unique and multi-layered performance is a lot more than a stand-up comedy routine.
- February 18, 2021
- Theatre On TV
The Khayaal Theatre Company brings historical stories from across the Muslim world to the stage and now to your television.
- February 12, 2021
- About Alchemiya
The 10 reasons why I started Alchemiya
Ten years ago, I had a realisation that many people in the global Muslim community were looking for great TV about Islam and Muslims. There was frustration at how badly Islam was represented in the mainstream media and the overall lack of content that validated their identity as Muslims.
- February 9, 2021
- Black History Documentary
February is Black History month in the United States ( it’s in October in the UK ) and to mark it, we have a selection of films for you to watch on Alchemiya.
- February 5, 2021
- Black Muslim Animation
It is a privilege for Alchemiya to be able to host the ground-breaking work of author, director and creative entrepreneur Robyn Abdusamad.
- February 5, 2021
- Australian Muslim History
The important story of the thousands of camel drivers from Afghanistan and Pakistan, who with their camels came to build supply lines across the harsh Australian outback. They also built the first mosque in Australia and played a crucial role in developing the infrastructure of the continent.
- January 30, 2021
- Iranian Cinema
What if a man blind since birth was suddenly given the gift of sight? This is the central premise of this beautiful, gripping drama.
- January 29, 2021
- American Muslim Cinema
Why do so many movies feature the ‘Bad Dad’ trope? From the epic battles of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker to the complexity of Michael Corleone, not wanting to be like his father Don Vito. When it comes to Muslims the narrative shifts to tradition and honour.
- January 27, 2021
- Cinema Senegal
The first ever movie made in the Wolof Language, Mandabi, by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene is considered a seminal work in the dream of creating a cinema about and for Africans.
- January 11, 2021
- Opinion
Representing normative Muslim culture in the media is the responsibility of the community, not the mainstream media. We have to focus on creativity not protest to create the change.
- January 6, 2021
- Afghanistan on film
From skateboarding in a battered, but hopeful Kabul in 2011, to the rural quiet of Aq Kapruk village in the early 1970s, these documentaries on Alchemiya show two very different times and places in the story and history of Afghanistan.
- November 1, 2020
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