The Film
“Speak” is a short film highlighting the struggles modern Muslims face when choosing between speaking out and defending their faith, and staying quiet for fear of judgment and persecution.
On the day of her speech for Class President, Natasha's world is rocked by the news of yet another mass shooting at the hands of Muslims. What follows is a day of confrontation and difficult conversations which leads Natasha to her breaking point and to speak out or remain silent.
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Many Muslims around the world live their daily lives with an ongoing internal battle similar to the one Natasha faces in the film.
This is true for writer/director/producer, Shaheed Devji, who spent the majority of his life getting to a point where he was comfortable and confident being an open and proud Muslim person only to have that all turned on its head in recent years.
With continued negative portrayal of the religion of Islam and growing hate towards Muslims and many others who are seen as "different," the idea of being open and proud, and speaking out in favour and defense of Islam became one that came with potential negative consequences.
However, recently Shaheed was inspired by other Muslims, including "Speak" actor Ziyana Vasaya, who have spoken out courageously in defense of a peaceful Islam and this prompted him to finally tell the story outlined in this short film to help shed light on this specific perspective and experience.