Apple TV Plus Movie Hala Is A Missed Opportunity To Shatter Muslim Stereotypes

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Hala explores the journey of a 17-year-old Pakistani-American Muslim who struggles to balance different cultures. 

Apple


Anytime a movie with a Muslim protagonist comes out, the Muslim community collectively holds its breath. Will this film perpetuate misconceptions about us that have run rampant in media for decades, or will it offer a fresh perspective showing the complexity of being a Muslim in the 21st century? 
These are some of the questions I had when I first heard about the new movie [ Hala], streaming now on [ Apple TV Plus]. Written and directed by [ Minhal Baig], it's a film about a 17-year-old Pakistani American girl struggling to balance her Muslim upbringing with her social life and identity as a high schooler. As a Muslim American who started wearing a hijab at age 11, I was initially excited to see a young Muslim woman take center stage -- looking badass with a skateboard, no less. At the same time, I had the usual apprehension I feel when a new movie or TV show comes out. Will Islam and autonomy be made to appear mutually exclusive? Will this be yet another film where characters of color are burdened with pleasing [ everyone but themselves]?