Help make an impact for I'D RATHER BE DEAD THAN SILENT, a brand new documentary featuring Islamic Scholar Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl and his wife Grace Song, about combatting authoritarianism at home and abroad, and the individual call to fight for human rights and justice for all. Directed by Tina Mascara.
PROJECT STORY
Hi, I’m Tina Mascara, director and producer of I’D RATHER BE DEAD THAN SILENT. I first met Professor Khaled Abou El Fadl and Grace Song with my late husband and filmmaking partner, Guido Santi. We thought we were beginning a film about Islamophobia in America, but as we spent time with them, the story challenged many of my own assumptions about Islam and how it is perceived in this country. What unfolded was far more complex and intimate than we anticipated: a portrait of two people whose intellect, vulnerability, and courage humanized a faith so often distorted in public discourse. Their honesty and conviction drew us in, transforming the project from an inquiry into prejudice into a deeper exploration of what it means to stand for justice — and what it costs. Continuing the film after Guido’s passing became a way to honor his instincts as a filmmaker and the urgency of this story we began together.
The film is complete and I want to put this story in front of audiences to ignite community and faith-based conversations around humanizing and supporting Muslims, combating authoritarianism globally, and discovering what each of us can do as individuals to fight for human rights. We don't have distribution yet, so the best way to start these conversations is through an Impact Campaign.
WHAT’S AN IMPACT CAMPAIGN?
An Impact Campaign is a grassroots effort to use a film to create tangible change in the world. I will coordinate key screenings with changemakers and thought leaders, facilitate community screenings with faith-based and activist communities, and build discussion guides to encourage post-screening conversation and actions on humanizing Muslims, combatting authoritarianism, and human rights for all. In an impact campaign, screenings aren’t just movie night – they’re the launch point for building a movement and fighting for justice in the real world.
WHY CONTRIBUTE TO AN IMPACT CAMPAIGN?
Creating the change we want to see takes time and money, and I believe this issue is vitally important for not just our country but the whole world.
Every dollar you donate to this campaign will go straight to impact. The more I raise, the more conversations to humanize Muslims and combat authoritarianism I can facilitate. No donation is too small…and no donation is too large!
CAN’T DONATE, BUT STILL WANT TO HELP?
Share my campaign and social media, and send my information to your Muslim, interfaith, and activist communities who may be able to donate and/or host a screening. Or, send me your community suggestions so that I can reach out! Email me at DeadThanSilentFilm@gmail.com .
Instagram: @DeadThanSilentFilm
Twitter: @DeadThanSilent
Thank you for your support!
Tina Mascara
