Yesterday, a few of us here at Maslaha had the opportunity to visit the Open Society Institute to view the final part of the documentary Musulmans de France (Muslims of France), directed by Karim Miské and Mohamed Joseph.

Combining archival footage, interview and narrative, this documentary trilogy brings to life the history of Muslims in France over the past century, starting with the arrival of Algerians workers in 1904 to the contemporary debates over immigration and integration. Exploring such central questions as what it means to be Muslim in France and how Islam has developed into France’s second largest religion, this film extends beyond historical account and delves into the greater questions of equality, diversity and identity within France’s strict secular and liberal national character.

Not only an enjoyable and thought-provoking view, Muslims of France is a valuable resource for challenging set perspectives and addressing limited and inaccurate national myths. By reviewing largely ignored collective pasts and reintroducing them into the public conscious, national histories can be made more just and inclusive of all citizens past and present.

Be they films, stories, public memorial or other expressions, such initiatives need to be encouraged and shared. In Britain, similar instances have been afoot in a variety of areas – among them Shrabani Basu’s campaign create a memorial for British WWII spy Noor Inayat Khan and playwright Michael McMillan’s exhibition and book chronicling of the role of the Front Room in British migrant culture. These efforts to reopen the tomes of history ensure that key memories, experiences and persons do not fall to the wayside of cultural amnesia.

Coming away from the screening, we were left with much to reflect upon and compare to our own national - and transnational -contexts. Muslims of France has been subtitled in English in order to share this integral part of French history with others worldwide. If interested in viewing Muslims of France or learning more, please go to the Open Society Institute, Phares Balises, or their Vimeo.