In recent years, a growing number of films, TV shows, and documentaries have spotlighted the complexities of being an Arab Muslim in the West. Through personal narratives, humour, and political critique, these works give voice to identities that are often misrepresented or erased. Let's explore how six major works contribute to this emerging canon.
Ramy
Hulu's Ramy, created by and starring Ramy Youssef, is arguably the most high-profile depiction of an Egyptian-American Muslim on television to date. The series centres on Ramy Hassan and his family in New Jersey, who seek validation in American society and question the existence of the American dream. As Ramy struggles with contradictory morals as a Muslim growing up in the West, the show continues to show the journey of the whole family in a humorous way.
#1 Happy Family in the USA
This short animated series delves into the often comedic, sometimes chaotic life of a Middle Eastern immigrant family in America. The show leans into satire and exaggeration, but underneath the humour lies a sincere exploration of intergenerational tension, assimilation, and cultural pride. The series depicts the struggles of an Egyptian family as they attempt to adapt to life in the U.S. following 9/11 and how they must adjust their identity to fit in.
The Feeling of Being Watched
In this powerful investigative documentary, Assia Boundaoui uncovers the FBI's long-standing surveillance of her Arab-American neighbourhood in Bridgeview, Illinois. While not centred on Egyptians specifically, the film captures a collective experience of suspicion and alienation felt by many Middle Eastern communities in the U.S., particularly after 9/11.
AmericanEast
AmericanEast presents the story of Mustafa, an Egyptian restaurant owner in Los Angeles, as he juggles cultural expectations and the rising tide of Islamophobia. The film paints a picture of America after 9/11 that is both sobering and humanising. Mustafa's journey reveals the emotional and social labour involved in navigating an identity that is constantly under scrutiny. His friendships, frustrations, and fears reflect the quiet resilience of many Egyptian immigrants trying to build a life amid systemic prejudice.
Amreeka
The film resonates broadly across the Arab diaspora. Its portrayal of immigration, racism, and the emotional toll of starting over in a foreign land speaks deeply to the Egyptian-American experience. The film's tone is marked by warmth and humour, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the depictions of Arab life in Western media.
Ramy Youssef: Feelings
Ramy Youssef's 2019 HBO stand-up special, Feelings, acts as a companion piece to his Hulu show. In it, he uses comedy to tackle deeply personal themes, from religion, racism, sex, and the absurdity of American Islamophobia.
