Major Hollywood production and distribution companies would not finance Qasim Basir’s debut film, Mooz-lum. But after securing several private investors and signing a unique deal with AMC Theaters, Basir was able to get Mooz-lum in 11 theaters in 10 cities.
Moviegoers responded enthusiastically to the limited release. Mooz-lum earned a respectable $12,712 per screen and outgrossed Adam Sandler’s Just Go With It ($8,601 per screen) and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never ($9,505 per screen). Both films were produced and distributed by major film companies and opened in 3,000 theaters nationwide.
Mooz-lum, which stars Nia Long, Danny Glover and Diana Ross’ son, Evan Ross, focuses on a college student who is conflicted about his religious beliefs during the tragedy of 9-11. Ross and Long both turn in gripping performances that should be recognized during the 2012 award season.
Historically, Hollywood has ignored themes that focus on Muslim-Americans. Basir’s film allows an underserved group to finally see themselves as lead protagonists on the big screen.
The first-week success of Mooz-lum has caused the executives at AMC Theaters to place the film in five more cities and add another screening at the AMC Southlake Pavilion 24 in Atlanta.
However, a major distribution company should partner with Basir to give the film the nationwide release that it deserves. –amir shaw
