First Muslim Animated Film ‘Time Hoppers’ Gets US Release – & Highlights Untold History

A landmark moment for representation in animation is arriving in theaters this weekend. February 7th and 8th, audiences across the United States will have the opportunity to see ‘Time Hoppers: The Silk Road,’ the first Muslim animated feature film to receive a nationwide theatrical release.

The film centers around four students from the fictional Aqli Academy who embark on a time-traveling mission. Their objective: to safeguard influential historical scientists – including the 9th-century mathematician Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn Al-Haytham, often hailed as the “Father of Modern Optics” – from a villainous, time-bending alchemist. The story aims to highlight contributions from a period and culture often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

The project is a collaboration between Milo Productions and Fathom Entertainment, with Fathom handling the theatrical distribution. This partnership marks an industry first, signaling a growing openness to diverse storytelling within the animation landscape. The decision to partner with Fathom was a key step in bringing the film to a broad audience, according to those involved.

Director and co-writer Flordeliza Dayrit and producer Michael Milo spoke about their intentions for the film, emphasizing a desire to showcase the historical contributions of Arabs, and Muslims. “We really wanted to also honor the continuous legacy that a lot of our communities are doing in building, in supporting, as well as growing these different education institutions,” Dayrit explained. She further articulated a hope that viewers will recognize the interconnectedness of the past and the future.

Milo added a crucial layer to the film’s purpose, stating, “It’s so important that children have a better understanding of history, and especially Muslim children, that they feel themselves as part of the wider culture and that they see themselves as heroes.” This sentiment underscores the film’s potential to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among young Muslim viewers.

The voice cast includes prominent Muslim-American figures such as Omar Suleiman, Dalia Mogahed, and Omar Regan, lending further authenticity and resonance to the project. Their participation speaks to the film’s commitment to representation both on and off screen.

The announcement of ‘Time Hoppers: The Silk Road’ comes amidst a broader conversation about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. While progress has been made in recent years, animated features, in particular, have often been criticized for a lack of representation. This release could be a catalyst for further change, encouraging studios to invest in stories that reflect a wider range of cultural experiences.

Beyond its cultural significance, the film’s release is noteworthy from a business perspective. Fathom Entertainment specializes in event cinema, bringing alternative content – such as concerts, documentaries, and faith-based films – to theaters. Their involvement suggests a strategic approach to reaching a specific audience that may not be fully served by traditional Hollywood releases.

The Cardiff Animation Festival recently announced its full program, though no direct connection to ‘Time Hoppers: The Silk Road’ was mentioned in the provided information. The festival, however, serves as a reminder of the vibrant and evolving world of animation, where independent and diverse projects are gaining increasing recognition.

For audiences interested in learning more, a trailer for ‘Time Hoppers: The Silk Road’ is available online, and a fan site has been established to provide additional information and resources. The film’s release this weekend represents not just a new animated feature, but a significant step forward for representation and storytelling in the entertainment industry.