Bruce Acker, Assistant Director, Asian Studies, University at Buffalo

Thank you for showing "The Muslims I Know" at the University at Buffalo. The film does a superb job portraying the aspirations of Pakistani-Americans in the 21st century. Not surprisingly, the subjects of your film have the same goals for peace, freedom, prosperity, and security that other Americans have. Unfortunately, on top of the general post-9/11 anxiety that we all feel, Muslims have faced suspicion and fear that their words and actions will be met with prejudice and misunderstanding. We need to get to know Muslims better - as a group and as individuals among us in our schools, neighborhoods, places of work, and communities.

Eric Comins, International Student & Scholar Services, University at Buffalo

After seeing such negative extremist images in the media, the average non-Muslim U.S. citizen tends to wonder if there is such a thing as a moderate Muslim. "The Muslims I Know" is a realistic portrayal of Muslims who are just like any other American (because they ARE American). They live, love, and laugh just like everybody else. It's very easy to dislike or fear someone you don't know. Viewers of this film will be pleasantly surprised to learn just how average and likeable the subjects of the film are. After all, we all came to the US for the same reasons: to make a better life for ourselves and our families and to enjoy an increased sense of freedom.

Linda Moroney, Filmmaker and Technical Director, Rochester High Falls International Film Festival

I very much enjoyed your film and found it to be wonderful. I think your opening was in fact, brilliant! Your narration was strong, personal, and inviting. I hope this project will help people that live their lives based on a platform of fear to see beyond that motivation.

Chris Christopher, Producer and Writer of July '64, an Emmy-nominated documentary broadcast on PBS's Independent Lens, Managing Director of ImageWordSound

I saw your film today. I thought it was lovely and thoughtful - a true labor of love. The shots are interesting and dynamic, the speakers articulate and the points well made. I especially liked the answer back format with questions from bystanders. The "A is for Allah, J is for Jihad" section was truly horrifying.

Dr. Greta Niu, Assistant Professor Department of English, University of Rochester

I would like to thank you and all of your participants for creating such an educational, compelling, wonderful film. It made me feel very hopeful, as did much of the subsequent audience discussion. Please tell everyone that I was truly impressed with their words on screen and off. You found some extremely articulate, contemplative, intelligent people! So many questions after the screening were also addressed carefully and smartly. Your husband and you, I thought, especially, responded so thoughtfully and strongly to the question about serving as a "spokesperson for the race/ethnic group".

Dr. Russell Peck, John Hall Deane Professor of English, University of Rochester

What a wonderful film. We loved every minute of it. it's so beautiful to see on a large screen. The film's message came across with superb clarity. You used the younger set magnificently; they were all so articulate and well focused in the points they were making, whether in a light vein or seriously. The discussion afterwads was excellent too. You were both very articulate in fielding questions, even the aggressive ones by the woman at the end. You both certainly gave us plenty to think about. I'm looking forward mightily to the showing at UR in the fall. The remarks from the young woman at the end about using it in Rochester schools was very promising.

Dr. Randy Kaplan, Director, Asian American Studies and Programming, SUNY Geneseo, Artistic Director of GENseng - Geneseo's Asian American Performance Ensemble

In short, it was wonderful! I thought you did a beautiful job (and you have a great voice, you should have been a performer!) - very touching and straightforward. I loved all of the people in it, and I wished I had been invited to the wedding in Lahore. I think that is exactly what you wanted to accomplish, yes - having people (non-Muslims) watch it and say, "Hey, I wish I knew that family or those students in person!"

Debora McDell-Hernandez, Coordinator of Community Programs and Outreach, Memorial Art Gallery

Congratulations on producing such a wonderful film! I was really impressed. You created a great project in a relatively short period of time too. I applaud the people featured in the documentary for being so candid in their responses to questions. I am glad that you have been able to nurture your artistic side over the last few years.

Kate Green, President, Newcomers' Club, Pittsford

Just wanted to tell you how pleased I was to see the great turnout for you 'World Premiere' today. Your film is magnificent and I am such a supporter of your contribution to world peace and understanding.