Step inside The Mosque Next Door in new SBS documentary series

Step inside The Mosque Next Door in new SBS documentary series

Thursday 5 October, 2017

Media Release

View the trailer here.

For the first time in Australia, television cameras were given unprecedented 24-hour access into an Australian mosque for SBS's new three-part documentary series, The Mosque Next Door.

Brisbane's Holland Park Mosque is one of the oldest in Australia. Located near Pauline Hanson's former electorate when she was first elected to federal parliament, the mosque has found itself in the firing line amidst growing fears from some in the wider community that Islam is contrary to the Australian way of life'.

Now, the mosque throws open its doors for a look at a year in the life of the people inside - through the realities of life, love and a struggle for acceptance in modern Australia.

The series introduces cricket-loving patriarch, mosque leader Imam Uzair; his best mate and community fix-it man, Ali Kadri; and a diverse congregation, including outspoken women's advocates Galila and her daughter Maryam, and fourth generation mosque goer, Janeth. Meet ex-bikie Robbie, who served time behind bars before converting to Islam five years ago and is now a community worker and youth mentor; and Lamisse, who turned her back on Islam in her teens but now as a young woman is reconciling her faith and identity.

The Mosque Next Door explores the tough, hot-button issues facing Muslim communities across Australia - Islamophobia, radicalism, viral online videos of extremists, terrorism-related investigations, the role of women in the mosque, and how some of the more traditional aspects of Muslim faith fit in with a modern Australian way of life.

The series also reveals the rarely seen lighter side to the community: Ali is searching for true love via a locally renowned matchmaker, and Janeth is on a mission to erect a new flagpole which has impacts on the beloved MCG' (mosque cricket ground).

As the mosque faces pressures from both inside and out, the congregation come together with community spirit, camaraderie and of course, Halal Snack Packs.

SBS Director of TV and Online Content, Marshall Heald, said:

The Mosque Next Door is a true Australian TV first. All-areas access to the lives of one Australian community for a year, this kind of in-depth documentary storytelling is powerful in its ability to give voice to a group of people who face constant misconceptions about their culture, religion and way of life.

With honesty, humour, warmth and relatability, this is a program which can help break down barriers and foster understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim Australia.

The Mosque Next Door is a Southern Pictures production, with principal funding from Screen Australia, in association with SBS and Screen Queensland.

The Mosque Next Door begins Wednesday 8 November, 8.30pm on SBS, and continues on Wednesdays. Episodes will be available after broadcast anytime, anywhere, for free via SBS On Demand.

Join the conversation #TheMosqueNextDoor

Review copies and images available at the SBS Media Centre: sbs.com.au/mediacentre

ENDS

LINK:	http://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/news-media-releases/view/id/2157/h/Step-...
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