The Taqwacores Trailer

Shot on an ultra-low budget, THE TAQWACORES is independent film-making at its very best. Directed by Eyad Zahra, with music from American Muslim punk band The Kominas and starring a hip, young cast including Bobby Naderi, Noureen de Wulf and Dominic Rains, THE TAQWACORES is a thought-provoking and insurrectionary tale that will not just appeal to fans of Punk music but anyone who wants a fascinating insight into Muslim youth in the western world or who remembers what it is like to be a teenager.

Yusef (Bobby Naderi) a first-generation Pakistani engineering student, moves off-campus with a group of Muslim punks in Buffalo, New York. His new “unorthodox” housemates soon introduce him to Taqwacore - a hardcore, Muslim punk rock scene that only exists on the West Coast.

As the seasons change, Taqwacore influences the house more and more. The living room becomes a mosque during the day, while it continues to host punk parties at night. Ultimately, Taqwacore influences Yusef too, as he begins to challenge his own faith and ideologies.

THE TAQWACORES deals with the complexities of being young and Muslim in modern-day America and smells achingly cool of teen spirit.


Described as the “Catcher in the Rye” for American Muslims and based on the cult Los Angeles novel by Michael Mohammad Knight which was originally handed out free in parking lots in America, THE TAQWACORES (15) is set to open at UK cinemas on 12th August at Empire Leicester Square plus key cities.

Director: Eyad Zahra
Writers: Eyad Zahra (screenplay), Michael Muhammad Knight (screenplay)
Stars: Bobby Naderi, Noureen DeWulf and Dominic Rains

For more information on film visit the www.theestablishingshot.com