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20,000 Dialogues is a nationwide initiative that uses films to facilitate dialogue about Muslims and Islam. Watch the video to learn more.
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Interviews and Testimonials
Dialogue hosts reflect on how their dialogues went. See below to learn more about what hosts are saying about 20,000 Dialogues. Click here to see testimonials from hosts that have conducted a dialogue.
Pati Richards – Prince Among Slaves
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
I am really interested in learning about diverse cultures. I feel like I do not understand the Muslim culture very well and I want to expand my knowledge. I feel it is important to discuss information that you are learning with others. It helps me to process the information and gain a better understanding of it. I also feel that there are many people that are in the same boat as I am and that we need to get better educated and gain knowledge of other cultures that we interact with.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you
do?
I coordinate and teach in a Family Literacy Program. Our classes are filled with culturally diverse students. At our school both the parents and the children attend school. Parents are working on English skills, parenting skills, and some computer skills. The children are attending pre-school where they are learning English and gaining skills that will help them to be ready for Kindergarten.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating
dialogue?
I thought the film was well done. We enjoyed it. It is not one that has a lot of information about Muslims, but I thought it was a good beginning. It was benefical to learn about a man who was well educated and see how horrible his journey was. It helped to tear down some of the stereo types that are associated with slavery! I found that it was very easy to have a dialogue after the viewing of the film.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing
with us?
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
This is a great way to get some meaningful conversation started about things we might be afraid to talk about!
Dr. Kathleen McGrory – Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain
1. What made me want to host?
I was a Catholic nun for 17 years, in a very ecumenical American order of teachers in New York, and am now working on a second book about the School of Toledo in the 12th century, which was my dissertation topic at Columbia U. in 1969 when I graduated. I wrote my dissertation on the possibility of Hispanic sources for the Grail legends in 12th century Spain. Since then, I have been a specialist in medieval literature, teaching about Arab & Muslim, Christian and Jewish collaborative work during the period of convivencia in Spain. My first visit to Toledo and Spain was in 1966, when I received a Fels Dissertation Fellowship from Columbia U., and was sponsored by the German and English departments. The Fels award was given each year to a graduate student whose research project could not be completed in U.S. libraries. So I worked in monastic libraries and major European libraries in seven countries, where I microfilmed relevant manuscripts in monastic collections. My major work was in the Cabildo library at the cathedral in Toledo, where the curator of manuscripts allowed me to microfilm their medieval liturgical manuscripts. I was researching Mozarabic liturgical manuscripts that held clues to the liturgical ceremonies used in popular medieval romances from the 12th and 13th centuries, most notably the stories of the Holy Grail. That's the subject of my non-fiction book in progress, working title "Holy Grail: the Spanish Connection." The Middle High German romance, Parzival contains Arabic and Jewish elements, as well as the central Christian story of the Grail, and I believe these elements can only be explained by a source in Spain, possibly among the works of translation that were going on at the time the first Grail story appeared in European literature. First was the Old French version, Perceval (c. 1180), followed by the German version, Parzival (c. 1213).
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you
do?
Having retired from a full-time professorship in the Connecticut State University system, I am now a part-time professor of literature and senior lecturer at both the University of Hartford (CT) and Eastern Connecticut State University. Last fall, one of the courses I taught in the U of H's Presidents College (for older adult students) was called "The School of Toledo." I presented a series of 5 lectures about medieval Spain, the work of the Arab, Christian and Jewish scholars working on translations in Toledo and Sicily, but mostly Toledo. Your film was perfect for bringing the topic to life. I will use it again.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating
dialogue?
I loved the film and its high production qualities, and how it was put together. I do have two other films I had been using, but none was so successful as your Cities of Light. My students and I viewed the film in class and also on television. Although I teach in Connecticut, I live in Massachusetts and am blessed to have access to both WGBH channels, 2 and 44. My literature courses at the University of Hartford have always attracted a large Jewish population of senior citizens, avid students of history and literature. The University has a very good Judaic Studies program and a center for archaeological research, headed by Dr. Stephen Freund, a rabbi and ecumenical scholar who works with a Benedictine monk and a noted Muslim scholar on a dig that discovered the "lost" city of Bethsaida. They premiered their film The Fifth Gospel (produced by the Holy Cross priests of the University of Notre Dame) at the University of Hartford. Nearby is another institution on whose board of corporators I have served, The Hartford Seminary, which has a center for Muslim studies, offers courses in Arabic language, the Qu'ran and Muslim history, and employs a Catholic nun as a member of its faculty. So the climate here in Connecticut is perfect for my ecumenical interests and for films like your Cities of Light.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing
with us?
We had wonderful discussions during the five sessions of my fall 2008 course on the school of translation in medieval Toledo. All major religions were represented in the class, although it was not a course in religion per se, but an interdisciplinary literature and history course. There were so many breakthrough moments in those discussions that I'm not sure I could single out any one to share with you. Each night's topic was a different aspect of 12th century Toledo, and the older students in the course brought to it their own experiences as People of the Book, as world travelers, lovers of art and music, and their immense curiosity about a little-known corner of history, 12th century Spain.
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
Don't hesitate--do it! It will be one of the most rewarding experiences for both the hosts and the participants.
Leanna Karim – Prince Among Slaves
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
I discovered that people in the Muslim community did not know the history of Africans in America.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you do?
I was not necessarily with a group but a coalition of groups. Two of them are involved in civic engagement or social services.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating dialogue?
I enjoyed the file immensely. It was good for dialogue. We were able to discuss some of the covert racism in our community.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing with us?
An open dialogue about racism was refreshing and encouraging.
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
That they should do it as it was a good experience.
Yaqoub Moradi – On a Wing and a Prayer
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
I thought it was a great way to have interfaith dialogue.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you
do?
The organization that held the event was the Muslim Student organization. We strive to spread Islamic Awareness and allow citizens to come to an understanding of real Islam, while promoting peace and unity.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating
dialogue?
The film initiated a great dialogue. Mind you there wasn't a big turnout, but with the individuals that came, we had a great time.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing
with us?
Not only for the individuals that attended, but our organization was able to recognize so many people and we had about 10 different faith-orientated persons attend.
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
I would tell them that it’s a great way to open up topics that may be considered "taboo." It certainly allows others to come from different faiths and really learn about the people in their community. It does unify us.
Omer Iqbal – On a Wing and a Prayer
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
During Islam Awareness Week a friend told him about 20,000 Dialogues and thought it was a easy simple way to engage his community and school.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you do?
President of the Muslim Student Association, University of Alabama - Birmingham
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating dialogue?
Good film, helped to spark the dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims, it also increased interest and awareness about Islam and Muslims among non-Muslims.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing with us?
There were 30 people, a large group considering the weather was bad, and thought the film helped non-Muslims to learn a great deal and gain a greater understanding about Islam and Muslims
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
At least try it once, on campus to see what effect there might be.
Corey Larsen – On a Wing and a Prayer
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
Went to a conference and heard Daniel Tutt speak about 20,000 and thought it would be a good way to work with and within the international community.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you do?
Student, works with International Students.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating dialogue?
Good film, worked well with the international students, but there was lack of “domestic” students, so there was an absence of their voices and points of view.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing with us?
Noticed that international students connected better with the film, more so than “domestic” students.
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
Start small, so that everybody gets a chance to speak, and then expand to a larger group.
Ali Lari – Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
Our organization had a mission of beating through the media's bias in representation and fighting the tension that was being created by some Islamophobia campaigns around campus. We found an opportunity in the movie in showing Islam's peaceful nature.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you do?
Our organization is, basically, Georgia Institute of Technology's Muslim Student Association. We do all sorts of events ranging from an annual Fast-a-Thon (people across the campus volunteer to fast for a day along their Muslim brothers and sisters) to awareness events such as our annual Islamic Awareness Series.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating dialogue?
The film was positive in getting people to understand how when religious ideology is applied righteously, it leads to prosper for everyone, and when ignorance strikes anywhere, it has no mercy on anyone.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing with us?
It was beautiful seeing people from different backgrounds come in and share their thoughts. Not only that, but some even shared their experiences with Muslims here and abroad, which busted the Islamophobic milieu that some were attempting to create at that time.
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
Dialogue is what we are missing. If there's anything we can do today to bring the world together, it is to share our ideas and strive to correct misunderstandings about each other. Ignorance is our enemy... All of us.
Penny Morgan – Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
I was so impressed by the presentation at a conference I attended in which portions of the movie were shown. The nurturing of tolerance among cultures and religions is near and dear to my heart.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you do?
I teach high school Spanish and teach a class in which we do a unit on Islamic Spain.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating dialogue?
Very much so. My students were enthralled and amazed.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing with us?
Just that I feel it should be expanded - especially among young people.
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
Start in any way you can - within your work or social circle.
Rana Khandekar – Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
After watching the movie on my own, I wanted it to share it with others. The movie presented information about the Prophet (S) and Islam in a way that made the movie relevant to a wide audience. In addition, using a movie to bring people together is a great idea, and an ad for 20,000 dialogues inspired me.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you do?
These were small dialogues I did at my house, and it wasn't affiliated with any organization.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating dialogue?
I was pleasantly surprised by how much everyone had to say about the film. Each character's story sparked discussion. I think that's because there was something we could all relate to in each story. Our group had a lot of positive reaction to the story of the father and daughter regarding hijab. They found similar struggles facing American youth based on race.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing with us?
Getting to the next step of doing other activities together after the dialogue is the hard part. Maybe part of the dialogue materials on the website could include some ideas or tips to help facilitators get members of the dialogue on board with future activities outside of additional movies and dialogues.
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
Don't hesitate to invite certain people. You may be surprised who shows up.
Pati Richards – Prince Among Slaves
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
I am really interested in learning about diverse cultures. I feel like I do not understand the Muslim culture very well and I want to expand my knowledge. I feel it is important to discuss information that you are learning with others. It helps me to process the information and gain a better understanding of it. I also feel that there are many people that are in the same boat as I am and that we need to get better educated and gain knowledge of other cultures that we interact with.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you
do?
I coordinate and teach in a Family Literacy Program. Our classes are filled with culturally diverse students. At our school both the parents and the children attend school. Parents are working on English skills, parenting skills, and some computer skills. The children are attending pre-school where they are learning English and gaining skills that will help them to be ready for Kindergarten.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating
dialogue?
I thought the film was well done. We enjoyed it. It is not one that has a lot of information about Muslims, but I thought it was a good beginning. It was benefical to learn about a man who was well educated and see how horrible his journey was. It helped to tear down some of the stereo types that are associated with slavery! I found that it was very easy to have a dialogue after the viewing of the film.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing
with us?
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
This is a great way to get some meaningful conversation started about things we might be afraid to talk about!
Craig Campbell – Talking Through Walls
1. What made you want to host your dialogue?
Watching the documentary "Talking Through Walls" exposed how simple dialogue can lead to something inspiring.
2. Can you tell us about your organization? What sorts of things do you do?
The Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle, or the Paulist Fathers, or the Paulists (http://www.paulist.org/unity), are a religious community of priests (and seminarians) in the Catholic Church. Our Mission Direction Statement identifies 3 area of concentration: Evangelization, Reconciliation, and Ecumenism/Interreligious Relations.
3. What was your reaction to the film? Did you find it good for initiating dialogue?
My reaction is that this is something very well done and with a potential for huge impact. It is an excellent tool for intiating dialogue.
4. Did you have an experience at the dialogues that you feel like sharing with us?
My screening and dialogue event is still yet to happen (November 5th).
5. What would you tell others that want to start a dialogue?
Show this documentary to an interfaith group and watch the walls come down in dialogue.
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As a member of the South Asian community myself, I greatly enjoyed the screening because of my ability to relate to some of the jokes and cultural references. Though I am not Muslim (I am Hindu), I definitely could relate to the prejudices Arab, Sikh, and Muslim communities or individuals who look like they could be Arab, Sikh, or Muslim, have faced post 9/11.
- Rakhi Lahiri, South Asian Law Student Association (SALSA) at Northeastern University School of Law
“I used the video in the context of a series of lessons after studying Judaism, Christianity and Islam and its spread and before teaching about the modern Middle East. We compared conflicts of ideas versus land in the past with Al-Andalus and then with the modern Middle East.”
- Tara Tana Beacon High School, New York City
“Ours is a nearly homogeneous student population and they know little about Islam as a religion, the Middle East as a region, and Arabic as a language and culture. Your DVD will help change that.”
- Dave Harrigan, Litchfield, CT
“As you can probably imagine, the students were surprised by how much Islam is like Judaism and/or Christianity. The film has caused many of them to rethink their ideas about all religions.”
- Jeanne Fraser, Inclusive Schools Resource Teacher
"The conversation was productive and many non-Muslims realized that it was okay to ask a Muslim about their religion. One participant was embarrassed of her ignorance but realized that wanting to know about Islam is a healthy step. The Muslims in attendance reassured her that they are happy and anxious for people to inquire about Islam instead of keeping false or curious ideas in their minds."
- Vicente Garcia, Program Director, Americans for Informed Democracy
"It was very touching throughout and everyone was interested and excited about what they learned."
- Muslim American Society Youth Participant
"UPF's films are of superb quality…The films have helped my organization and our larger community in promoting dialogue and achieving greater understanding of our growing Muslim population."
- Lila De Klaver, Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
“I used the video [Cities of Light] in the context of a series of lessons after studying Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and its spread and before teaching about the modern Middle East. We compared conflicts of ideas versus land in the past with Al-Andalus and then with the modern Middle East.”
- Tara Tana, Beacon High School, New York City
“I found (as did my students) the video to be extremely informative. I knew and always talked about the Muslim influences in Spain but never had a video that explained the history. I am planning to share it with our Spanish teachers as well as the Theology department ...”
- Alicia B. Iacono, Social Studies Department Chair, Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, New Jersey
“Ours is a nearly homogeneous student population and they know little about Islam as a religion, the Middle East as a region, and Arabic as a language and culture. Your DVD will help change that.”
- Dave Harrigan, Litchfield, CT
“At the end of the discussion, people were very excited to speak about 'take-aways' and action items.”
- Bary Kolb, Community Dialogue Facilitator
"The 20,000 Dialogues training gave me a very good overview of how to organize and lead an effective film/dialogue program and provided me with the tools and materials needed to follow up and take action. The fact that we got to watch segments from the films during the day really helped me understand how viewers will react and how best to prepare for the group discussions. All in all, it was a valuable experience that made me feel more comfortable reaching out to others and organizing interfaith programs."
- Theo Brown, Senior Associate America Speaks
"The Training provided by 20,000 Dialogues was thoughtful, well organized and useful in many areas of my life. It was a "hands on" experience of what an interfaith film dialogue would offer to those who attend: an opportunity to meet people who share an interest in increasing inter-religious understanding, viewing a 1 hour film, and then sharing our questions and responses in a respectful discussion format. And it was fun!"
- The Rev. Dr. Carol M. Flett, Interfaith Programs Coordinator Washington National Cathedral College
“I really gained a good grasp of the power of UPF's films to serve as a launching pad for serious and fruitful interfaith dialogue. More than anything else, sharing best practices with experienced facilitators gave me invaluable insights that will undoubtedly improve the effectiveness of my work.”
- Abbas Jaffer, Muslim Liaison, Buxton Initiative
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Ok, I’m ready.
How do I
get started?
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