(LOS ANGELES, CA, 8/13/09) - The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today said its “Writing for Hollywood” seminar for aspiring Muslim screenwriters held Tuesday in Los Angeles was a “tremendous success.”

 

The seminar featured filmmaker and writer Jeffrey Nachmanoff, who wrote and directed “Traitor” in 2008 and wrote the screenplay for the 2004 blockbuster “The Day After Tomorrow.” Addressing some 20 aspiring Muslim screenwriters and filmmakers, Nachmanoff said that everyone has a good story to tell and that Muslims, like other minorities, should engage Hollywood at all levels to promote more realistic portrayals of their community.

"It is always inspiring to speak to young writers from diverse backgrounds and to hear the passion and enthusiasm they have for storytelling,” said Nachmanoff of Tuesday’s seminar.

Last August, CAIR-Los Angeles co-hosted a community screening of “Traitor” in conjunction with Nachmanoff. More than 100 people attended that screening.

Tuesday’s event, held at the Media Shop - a production company in Los Angeles - inspired many participants to use their creative writing abilities to positively impact the broader society.

One of the participants, Nida Chowdhry, said:

“The CAIR screenwriting seminar was awesome! Jeffrey Nachmanoff was so insightful and inspirational for young Muslims who are interested in the film and media industry. The workshop provided realistic advice about Hollywood, and it was a great opportunity to network with other Muslims who are also aspiring to do what they love and bring something positive to the industry along the way.”

The seminar is part of CAIR’s efforts to build positive relations between Hollywood and the American Muslim community.

SEE: CAIR-LA, FOX Co-Host ‘Hollywood 101’ Workshop
ALSO SEE: CAIR-LA: ‘A Mighty Heart’ Screening a Success

“The tremendous success of Tuesday’s event shows that American Muslims are artists, writers and great storytellers,” said CAIR-LA Communications Manager Munira Syeda. “We must nurture the talent among our youth and share our story of hope and hard work with the rest of America.”

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: Munira Syeda, CAIR-LA Communications Manager, 714-776-1847 or e-mail: info@losangeles.cair.com

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