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2019 Regent Park Film Festival

17th Annual Festival

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Life Without Basketball

Nov 23 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
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There will be a free basketball workshop following the film, open to Regent Park youth ages 13-18. Pre-registration required.

This program is sponsored by Inspirit Foundation.

  • Year: 2018
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Country: USA
  • Language: English
  • Length: 89 mins

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir broke records and barriers on her way to become the first Division I athlete to play basketball while wearing the hijab. When a controversial ruling ends her chances at playing professionally, she re-examines her faith and identity as a Muslim American.

Directed by Tim O'Donnell and Jon Mercer

Co-Director, Producer, Editor Tim O’Donnell is an Emmy-nominated and award winning documentary filmmaker. His work has appeared on ESPN, NBC, PBS, OutsideTV, the Sundance Film Festival and events around the world. His films have garnered the Audience Award at the Independent Film Festival of Boston, Jury Prizes at the Phoenix Film Festival and Woods Hole Film festival, and IndieWire’s Project of the Month.


Co-Director, Producer, Editor Jon Mercer is known for his ability to deconstruct a frame or narrative, finding its essential elements and drawing out the underlying emotion. His work has been broadcast nationally and helped expand viewership for a number of online platforms. His films have screened internationally at festivals and can also be seen on PBS.

Speakers

Talkback with star Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, moderated by writer and sports activist Shireen Ahmed.

Talkback Moderator

Shireen Ahmed is a writer, public speaker and an award-winning Sports Activist focusing on Muslim women in sports, and the intersections of racism and misogyny in sport. She is an Inclusion and Diversity consultant, athlete, advocate, community organizer, and works with Youth of Colour on empowerment projects and is an avid sports coach and mentor.

Talkback Guests

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir is a Muslim- American basketball player from Springfield, Massachusetts. When the International Basketball Federation prohibited headgear wider than five inches on the court, Bilqis’ goal to play professionally ended, as she chose faith over basketball. She started working with other advocates to overturn the ban, which was then lifted in 2017. Abdul-Qaadir and her husband currently run a basketball program and host youth camps at the London Islamic School.

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Thank you to our Co-presenters and Community Partners!

  • Inspirit Foundation
  • The Daniels Corporation
Sponsors
  • Hot Docs
  • Cinema Politica
Co-presenters
  • Hijabi Ballers
  • UforChange
Partners

#RPFF2019© 2021 Regent Park Film Festival | 17th Annual Festival