'Little Mosque on the Prairie'
On June 19, 2008, Young Muslims spokesperson Summayah Poonah was invited to the set of CBC's 'Little Mosque on the Prairie' as a consultant to Sitara Hewitt who plays Rayyan Hamoudi.
YM activist visits the set of "Little Mosque on the Prairie"
After an informal discussion arranged by CBC with Young Muslims Canada, Sitara Hewitt was given the unique opportunity to develop her character and delve into the background of her portrayal of "Rayyan Hamoudi". A long -term rapport translated into a small step for one individual and a leap for YM.
I was lead down a dead end street to a massive unmarked building. The sky's grey blended with the grey of its' dull exterior. My stomach tensed as I approached the wide gates and was lead by an uneasy gentleman through a maze of doorways.
Sun... finally, smiles, and lively banter emerged and gave way to an intoxicating energy. I was overwhelmingly welcomed by the cast and crew, all eager in their dressing rooms to portray our common experiences and daily life, through the lens of our fellow Canadians. I was bombarded with questions and showered with compliments. Below, a locked gate revealed a dimly lit but flamboyantly coloured environment. The dimness and silence warned and yet each room curiously welcomed and bore the shades of peacocks. As the director yelled and the script girl prompted, the cameras quietly rolled. Interestingly, even here, I was exotic. A Muslim consultant conversed with me for a fresh perspective and as I sat in "Fatima's café" I had to constantly remind myself that outside was simply a screen peaking beyond the window.
By: Summayah Poonah
Young Muslims Canada Spokesperson
Research & Editing Team [RET] Coordinator
