We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on December 5, 2010.

Also, please share comments - why did you support this project?

Update #4 · Dec 6, 2010 · 12 comments

One last request - if you can post comments as to why you supported this campaign, we'd love to share those with the world :)

~Chris & team

Comments

    1. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Amer Ahmed on December 9, 2010

      Sultan and I connected a few years ago. When I heard about the basis of the whole project, I was excited...right away I let him know about the work I do with Hip Hop Congress and my relationship with artists like Alex Schein. Never did I imagine that Alex's music would be the primary music of the film and that it would go on to Sundance from there. After that I encouraged IMAN (Inner-City Muslims Action Network) to invite him to an artist retreat they did where he met the ReMINDers. It's been amazing to watch the process of growth and development of the project since the time I met Sultan. It was an honor to be present at the screening in Park City, UT for Sundance and to introduce the film and moderate Q & A at the Sundance USA screening in Ann Arbor. I felt that it was my responsibility to ensure that their goals with this kickstarter were met in order to ensure they could fully implement their unique distribution model that will function as a grassroots campaign as well. It's exactly what I'm about so I definitely had to put my money where my mouth is.

    2. Missing_small

      Creator Jukaku tayeb on December 6, 2010

      Let us master and use this art form to communicate so we can define who we are rather than be defined by others.

    3. Missing_small

      Creator Musaab Salloum on December 6, 2010

      cuz Chris is on the team!!

    4. Missing_small

      Creator Barri Blauvelt on December 6, 2010

      This is a very fresh and timely movie reflecting not only overwhelming challenges of inner city youth, but all youth today trying to get a job, get into school, get ahead when there seems to be so little support and opportunity for any of these. Not a "modern day 'To sir with love'" or classic teacher with good intentions makes good story at all. Fresh, creative and hard core realism combine. The message is not what actually happened to Bilal, but it is about having to make hard, proactive choices in life and to try to keep moving forward when it seems like you are swimming in a rip tide current.

    5. Missing_small

      Creator Adeel Khalid on December 6, 2010

      After reading about Bilal's last stand and viewing some of the video clips, I was convinced that this money will go towards a good cause. The motivation and drive that the team has exhibited shows that they are dedicated - and I like dedicated people.

    6. Missing_small

      Creator Dhwaihi on December 6, 2010

      It is the right way to deliver the true message about Muslims. Keep up and more new movies in the future inshallah.

    7. Missing_small

      Creator Freda Shamma on December 6, 2010

      Hopefully this movie will show our inner city youth that it is possible to be a 'real man' by doing well in school and trusting in God. The fact that this real man is a practicing Muslim is icing on the cake.

    8. Tumblr_lggtidlffz1qe2ci1o1_500.small

      Creator Wiam W.A. on December 6, 2010

      This campaign is more than just supporting a local brother pursue his dreams, for me it is part of a greater movement which everyone should be involved in. That movement is more than getting involved in refinement and moving in a greater direction with regards to education. For me, it's about using the media and visual production as Muslims to educate people about our daily lives and struggles and the similarities we face overall as human beings. Countering the stereotypes about Islam happens one step at a time, and I think Bilal's Stand is a beautiful story that shows both the struggles a young man faces in the education system in Detroit as well as trying to follow Islam and live a peaceful life. I watched it twice and I'm looking forward to watching it the third time on a big screen TV in theatres (inshAllah) :)

    9. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Tara Brown on December 6, 2010

      I graduated with Sultan and am so proud of him, I couldn't pass up a chance to help him and to help you all inspire todays youth. Congrats to everyone on your team, this much be such a happy day for you all.

    10. Missing_small

      Creator Ahmad Ibrahim on December 6, 2010

      anything for Chris :)

    11. Missing_small

      Creator Ahmad Ibrahim on December 6, 2010

      anything for Chris :)

    12. Missing_small

      Creator Adam Sahib on December 6, 2010

      Chris Blauvelt threatened to unfriend me on facebook. Knowing the importance of brotherhood in Islam, I took a stand to preserve our friendship and thus supported the cause.

213
Backers
$21,632
pledged of $18,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Nov 12, 2010 - Dec 5, 2010

Sun_0084.medium

See full bio

  • Pledge $10 or more

    13 backers

    MAKING A STATEMENT - A thank You letter from director Sultan Sharrief PLUS a "Take a Stand" button OR bumper sticker (your choice!)

  • Pledge $25 or more

    16 backers

    PUMPING A FIST - All the above PLUS a Poster signed by director Sultan Sharrief and lead actor Julian Gant

  • Pledge $45 or more

    64 backers

    SHOUTING OUT - All the above PLUS a signed DVD of the film

  • Pledge $75 or more

    28 backers

    SHOWING LOVE - All the above PLUS a "Take a Stand" t-shirt

  • Pledge $150 or more

    27 backers

    RISING UP - All the above PLUS a thank you credit in the film

  • Pledge $300 or more

    6 backers

    TAKING A STAND - All the above PLUS a one-time public screening for your school or community INCLUDING a webcast Q&A with director Sultan Sharrief (or optionally sponsor a screening for a school without the proper resources)

  • Pledge $600 or more

    5 backers Limited (10 of 15 left)

    FLYING HIGH - All the above PLUS a VIP seat for the Michigan premier of Bilal's Stand on MLK Day (Jan. 17, 2011) at the Michigan Theater FOLLOWED by a private reception with cast and crew of Bilal's Stand, including Director Sultan Sharrief and Lead Actor Julian Gant

  • Pledge $2,000 or more

    1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)

    SOARING - All the above PLUS Director Sultan Sharrief flying out for a private screening of Bilal's Stand in person (limited to the US & Canada)