Watch Undefined: A Muslim-American Musical

Undefined is a thought-provoking and heartwarming musical film, released in 2017, that explores the complexities of Muslim-American identities in a post-9/11 world. With a talented cast of actors, breathtaking cinematography, and memorable songs, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. The film revolves around the life of a young Muslim-American woman named Ameena, played by the talented Jenny Burks. Ameena is a college student who is struggling to find her place in the American society that often views her as an outsider. She feels caught between two worlds - her Muslim identity and her American identity - and is unable to fully embrace either.

Ameena's struggle is further exacerbated by the fact that her father is an imam at a local mosque, which makes her feel like she is always under intense scrutiny. She wants to belong to her community and love her country, but the constant pressure to conform is taking a toll on her mental health.

Enter Julian (Jared Cardenas), a charming musician who is also grappling with his own identity issues. Julian is half-Filipino and half-Mexican, and he feels like he doesn't fit in anywhere. He uses his music as an escape from his problems, and when he meets Ameena, he finds someone who understands him in a way that few other people can.

Together, Julian and Ameena embark on a journey of self-discovery, as they explore their identities through music. The film showcases an array of musical styles, including hip-hop, jazz, and traditional Islamic chants, which reflect the various facets of Muslim-American culture.

One of the most poignant moments in the film is when Ameena and Julian perform a duet, 'Undefined', which captures the essence of their struggles. The lyrics, "Lost in between, can't seem to find my place, searching for who I am, who am I really?" resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong.

Another standout song is 'Invisible', which is sung by Ari A. Gilgeous, who plays the role of Ameena's younger brother. The song is a powerful commentary on the marginalization that Muslim-American children often face in American schools. The lyrics highlight the frustration of being seen as an 'other', and the emotional toll that it can take on a child's psyche.

The film also touches on the issue of Islamophobia, as Ameena is subjected to nasty comments and discrimination by her classmates. There is a particularly poignant scene where Ameena is on the bus, and another passenger mutters 'terrorist' under her breath. Ameena tries to ignore the comment, but as the camera zooms in on her face, the pain and hurt are palpable.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Undefined is a film that is filled with hope and optimism. It promotes the message of unity and diversity, and emphasizes the importance of embracing our differences. The film encourages viewers to challenge their own biases and preconceptions, and to empathize with those who are different from themselves.

In conclusion, Undefined is a must-watch film that will strike a chord with viewers of all backgrounds. It sheds light on the experiences of Muslim-Americans in a way that is both entertaining and informative, and it challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards diversity and inclusion. This film is a testament to the power of music to heal and unite, and it is a reminder that at the end of the day, we are all just human beings, searching for our place in the world.