Stand Up: Muslim American Comics Come of Age

In Stand Up we meet five American Muslim stand up comedians who use humour as a weapon against Anti-Islam prejudices. In their own way, each tries to uproot the distrust present in Americans and in their own communities. 
The use of humour to combat prejudices and racism is an old tradition among American immigrants. Muslim
Americans are now using that same means to refute the stereotypes about Muslims. Their efforts are more than necessary. Since the terrorist attacks of 11th September 2001, hatred against Muslims in the United States has drastically increased. In Stand Up, we meet five American Muslim stand up comedians: Ahmed Ahmed, Tissa Hami, Dean Obeidallah, Azhar Usman and Mayson Zayid, each of whom was personally affected by the aftermath of 9/11. Instead of keeping a low profile after the terrorist attacks, however, they
are determined to have their voices heard. This is not always easy - they are faced with unjustified arrests and death threats. Each in their own way tries to uproot the distrust present in Americans and in their own communities. One of the comedians, Azhar Usman, will join the festival screenings.