Arab American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the diverse experiences, histories, and contributions of Arab Americans. These five films illuminate the multifaceted stories and experiences within the Arab American community. By including them in library collections and classroom curricula, educators and librarians can promote a deeper understanding of heritage, identity, and the shared challenges and triumphs of the Arab diaspora in America. Through this expanded lens, audiences can connect with the universal themes of resilience, family, and self-discovery that resonate across cultures.
This Teacher
In This Teacher, a French-Arab woman named Hafsia visits a friend in New York City, hoping for a simple vacation that will bring them closer. When plans change, she heads into the American wilderness alone, seeking inner peace and a sense of belonging far from the city’s hustle. As she grapples with prejudice and her own conflicting emotions, Hafsia tris to navigate the tension between cultural expectations and her personal identity. By pairing intimate self-reflection with tense encounters, the film reveals how quickly xenophobia can erode one’s sense of security. The interesting landscapes contrast with Hafsia’s internal struggles, underlining the film’s themes of displacement and acceptance.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: This film is an excellent addition to libraries and classrooms because it challenges viewers to reflect on biases, cultural assumptions, and the immigrant experience. Its open-ended narrative style encourages discussion, prompting audiences to consider the importance of empathy and cross-cultural dialogue. Because Hafsia’s journey includes both introspection and real-world tensions, it provides a nuanced look at Arab and Muslim identity in the West. Students may find it particularly helpful to analyze how Hafsia’s background influences the way people interact with her, offering a look into contemporary challenges that are faced by Arab Americans.
Read the full review of This Teacher here.
Get your copy of This Teacher on DVD or stream on Prime Video.
A Thousand And One Journeys: The Arab Americans
A Thousand And One Journeys: The Arab Americans is a comprehensive documentary chronicling the untold stories of Arab immigrants who have shaped American society. The film traces the early arrivals from the late 19th century to modern-day figures who have excelled in fields such as politics, science, business, and the arts. Through interviews and archival footage, viewers witness the resilience and innovation of individuals who adapted to a new land while preserving their cultural heritage.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: This documentary is especially valuable for libraries and classrooms because it underscores the diversity within the Arab American community, dismantling monolithic stereotypes. It can serve as a catalyst for discussions on migration patterns, assimilation versus cultural preservation, and the importance of recognizing underrepresented narratives in American history. Educators might use the film to introduce themes of identity formation and to highlight Arab Americans’ significant contributions to the country, while libraries benefit by offering patrons an in-depth historical resource that broadens the national story.
Get your copy of A Thousand and One Journeys: The Arab Americans on DVD here.
Breaking Fast
Set in West Hollywood, Breaking Fast follows Mo, a devout Muslim doctor, who navigates the dating scene during the holy month of Ramadan. When he meets Kal, an All-American guy willing to share in iftars (the nightly meal breaking the fast), Mo must reconcile his faith with the possibility of new love. Through humor, warmth, and cultural specificity, the film challenges preconceived notions of Muslim identity while depicting universal themes of romance and acceptance.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: Breaking Fast spotlights an underrepresented intersection: queer Arab American Muslims. Educators can use it to discuss cultural identity, religious practice, and LGBTQ+ experiences in contemporary America. As a charming yet thought-provoking film, it is an excellent conversation starter on inclusivity and the multiplicities within Arab American and Muslim communities.
Get your copy of Breaking Fast on DVD or stream on Prime Video.
The Feeling of Being Watched
In this documentary, journalist Assia Boundaoui investigates long-standing rumors of FBI surveillance in her Arab American neighborhood outside of Chicago. What begins as a local inquiry quickly expands into a story of national significance, exposing patterns of governmental overreach and systemic bias directed toward the Muslim community. Part personal exploration, part community-driven investigation, The Feeling of Being Watched reveals the psychological toll of living under constant scrutiny.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: This film is indispensable for libraries and classrooms as it addresses civil liberties, counterterrorism policy, and community activism. For educators, it provides a platform to discuss key issues such as law enforcement transparency, media representation of Arab Americans, and the importance of investigative journalism. The documentary’s blend of personal narrative and socio-political context makes it a compelling entry point for lessons in American history, sociology, and public policy.
Stream The Feeling of Being Watched on Prime Video.
Amreeka
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: Amreeka chronicles the journey of Muna, a Palestinian single mother who emigrates to the U.S. with her teenage son, Fadi, to build a better life. Settling in a small town in the Midwest, they encounter culture shock, Islamophobia, and economic hardship, yet find moments of warmth and humor through family bonds and community support. Balancing comedic elements with thoughtful social commentary, the film captures the resilience and adaptability of new immigrants.
This heartwarming portrayal of the immigrant experience makes Amreeka an essential addition to library collections and a valuable teaching tool. Students and adult viewers alike can learn about adaptation, cultural misunderstanding, and the everyday triumphs and struggles faced by Arab American families. For classroom discussions, educators can connect the film’s narrative to broader topics such as diaspora and stereotyping, which can encourage empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
Read our full review of Amreeka here.
Get your copy of Amreeka on DVD here.
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