Islam's Non-Believers

Islam's Non-Believers
Directed by	Deeyah Khan
Starring
Country of origin	United Kingdom, Norway
Original language(s)	English
Production
Producer(s)	Deeyah Darin Prindle Andrew Smith
Cinematography	Deeyah Khan Darin Prindle Julie Tørrissen
Editor(s)	Kevin Thomas Michael Ho
Running time	49 minutes
Distributor	Fuuse Films
Release
Original release	13 October 2016 (2016-10-13)

Islam’s Non Believers is a 2016 documentary produced by Fuuse Films, and filmed and directed by Emmy winning and Bafta nominated filmmaker Deeyah Khan. The film documents the lives and experiences of ex-Muslims who have left Islam to become atheists, and who often face discrimination, harassment, ostracism and violence for leaving Islam, both in the UK and abroad. The documentary was first shown on the ITV’s current affairs series Exposure.^[1]

Synopsis

Islam’s Non Believers explores the experiences of ex-Muslims worldwide through following the work of Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, a support and campaigning group founded by Iranian born human rights activist Maryam Namazie.^[2]

The film portrays dangers and difficulties faced by people who have renounced Islam. Interviewees talk about the risks of suicide and self-harm, and the experiences of physical and psychological abuse from family members. Many are terrified of being shunned or abused if their beliefs were to become known to their families and communities. The film shows that many young British ex-Muslims hide their true beliefs, running huge risks if they ‘come out’ as atheists within their communities.^[3]

The documentary also states that the danger for ex-Muslims who live in Islamic countries can be higher. Apostasy from Islam carries the death penalty in many countries. Atheists may face persecution by their own governments, and the risk of violence at the hands of extremist gangs.^[4]

Cast

• Maryam Namazie
• Fauzia Ilyas
• Bonya Ahmed
• Rayhana Sultan
• Nadia Ell Fani
• Usama al-Binni
• Arif Rahman

References