TIME FOR ILHAN – A Review by Cynthia Flores
In 2016, a young, hijab-wearing mother of three named Ilhan Omar made history by becoming the first Somali Muslim woman to be elected to state office in America. This compelling documentary Time For Ilhan chronicles her hard-fought campaign for State Representative in Minnesota’s Senate District 60B. She ran against Phyllis Kahn who had held that office since 1973 and was in the record books for holding office for the most prolonged period as a woman. Phyllis didn’t think that Ilhan would be much of a challenge, but boy was she wrong.
This film is a fresh take on the old story of the American Dream of migrating to the US and by talent and hard work doing more than you ever dreamed you could. Time for Ilhan offers an inspiring look behind the scenes of politics at the local level. It breaks a lot of stereotypes of subservient Muslim women and gives us a fully fleshed out portrait of a rising political star as she begins her political career.
It’s being released on International Women’s Day on DVD and VOD. The film will also be part of a “Time for Ilhan take action screening tour” which she hopes will engage, activate and mobilize audiences as well as inspire more women, people of color, immigrants and young people to join the movement for a more representative and reflective democracy.
Time for Ilhan is an inspiring and thrilling look at grassroots politics at its best. It will have you cheering for the underdog. It makes you believe that individual citizens can still make a difference in the big political machine. I give this documentary a solid A rating.
Directed by Norah Shapiro
Rated NR
Selig Rating A
Running Time 1hr 29min
Documentary
Special Screenings Nationwide / available on VOD & DVD March 8th
Starring: Ilhan Omar
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
