Shi'ism: Waiting for the Hidden Imam 2005
Distributed by First Run/Icarus Films, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Saïd Bakhtaoui and Mohammad Ballout
Director n/a
VHS, color, 53 min.
College - Adult
History, Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, Religious Studies
Date Entered: 12/21/2005
Reviewed by Alexander Rolfe, Reference Librarian, George Fox University, Newberg, ORIf one wants to learn the history and current political significance of Shi'ism in less than an hour, it's hard to do better than this documentary. After briefly noting the January 2005 electoral success of the Shi'ites in Iraq, the film turns to the origins of Shi'ism in the succession dispute following Mohammad's death. Footage (with subtitles) from The Passion of Hussein, a historical drama shown on Iranian television, enlivens the narrative. The Director of the Islamic Encyclopedia, a philosopher from the University of Tehran, and another Muslim scholar explain the main beliefs and guiding principles of Shi'ism. That makes for a lot of subtitles to read, but it is worth it to hear from authentic Muslim scholars. Interviews with ordinary Muslims visiting shrines add credibility, and examples of popular Shi'ite art reinforce the themes described by the scholars. The film also discusses the recent history and current political landscape of Shi'ism, ending with a look at Ayatollah Sistani, Iraq's most prominent cleric.
This film conveys a wealth of information - political, cultural, and religious - without getting sidetracked into anecdotes or losing coherence. The material was well chosen. There is nothing superfluous, nor is there anything missing that needs to be covered. That is a great accomplishment for a film presenting such a complex history in a short time.
Highly recommended for classes on Islam and the Middle East.