Deeyah Khan one of the most significant documentary filmmakers in the world. She’s also one of the great peacebuilders of our time. She show us the humanity of even those with whom who think we have nothing in common, building bridges where we thought that none could be built. She shows us there’s another way
She has won two Emmys, a BAFTA, an RTS and two Peabody Awards in over a decade of making films that deal with such polarizing issues as extremism, violence against women, inequality, racism and social exclusion. The Times of London has called her “one of the bravest, most indomitable women... facing down bullies and extremists with intelligence and unflinching spirit”.
She has filmed with battle-hardened jihadis, members of armed militia groups, American domestic terrorists and white supremacists, with incisive, illuminating and often surprising results. After spending a number of months filming with members of the United States’ largest neo-Nazi organisation, including filming them on their notoriously violent march through Charlottesville in 2017, three high-ranking figures, including the leader, left the movement and rejected its white supremacist ideology. All of them credit their encounters with Deeyah as the catalyst for them to leave an extremist movement.
I think Deeyah’s wonderful, I feel honored to call her a friend, and I was glad to have the chance to talk to her for an extended interview. I hope you receive as much from listening to her as I do. Enjoy!
Deeyah’s Instagram
Deeyah’s YouTube Channel
Deeyah’s Website
Learn more about Deeyah’s Films
America’s Veterans: The War Within
Behind the Rage: America’s Domestic Violence
