Muslim-Made Animated Film ‘Time Hoppers’ Opens in Canadian Theatres

Winnipeg families were among the first in North America to experience a groundbreaking moment in animated film this weekend with the release of Time Hoppers: The Silk Road. The film, directed and produced by the Canada-based founders of Muslim Kids TV, marks the first Muslim-made animated feature to receive a wide theatrical release across the continent, opening in hundreds of theaters on Saturday, February 7th.

More than just a children’s movie, Time Hoppers is being hailed as a significant step towards greater representation in entertainment. The film follows Abdullah, Aysha, Khalid and Layla, four gifted students from Vancouver’s Aqli Academy in the year 2050, who discover the ability to travel through time. Their adventure unfolds along the historic Silk Road, where they must protect the legacies of brilliant scientists from an evil alchemist named Fasid. The story specifically focuses on figures like Ibn Al-Haytham, considered the “father of modern optics,” and Al-Khwarizmi, often referred to as the “father of algebra.”

The cultural impact of this release extends far beyond the box office. Nilufer Rahman, the film’s artistic director, explained the motivation behind the project. “It’s a part of the collective human story that was hidden from us,” she told CBC’s The Weekend Morning Show. “The Islamic civilization… has been reduced to some kind of figment of our imagination. But it was a centre of learning and wealth.” Rahman hopes the film will correct decades of misrepresentation and offer a more nuanced portrayal of Islamic history and culture.

This desire to challenge existing narratives resonated deeply with audiences. Arooj Naseem, a Winnipeg resident who attended a screening with her family, noted the importance of seeing positive representation. “It’s very close to our hearts, because we have never seen any movie like that before,” she said. Her children, she added, were inspired to learn more about Muslim history and heritage after watching the film.

The film’s creation wasn’t simply about filling a gap in the market; it was about providing a counter-narrative to harmful stereotypes. Rahman pointed to the problematic lyrics in Disney’s Aladdin – “it’s barbaric, but hey it’s home” – as an example of how Muslim cultures have been historically portrayed. She shared that growing up, she often felt compelled to defend her identity and prove her community’s worth. Time Hoppers, she believes, offers a powerful message to young viewers: they don’t need to be ashamed of who they are.

The film’s success wasn’t solely due to a demand for better representation. According to Michael Milo, the film’s co-producer, Time Hoppers benefited from “unprecedented grassroots support.” Despite a limited marketing budget, word of mouth spread organically through a network of families, influencers, and community leaders who championed the project. As of Thursday, February 5th, over 35,000 tickets had been sold in pre-sales, according to Variety.

The production team also made a conscious effort to include diverse voices within the film itself. Several Muslim American educators, religious scholars, and community leaders were cast in voice roles, including Omar Regan, Dalia Mogahed, and Imam Omar Suleiman. This commitment to authenticity extends to the character design, with the filmmakers striving to create relatable heroes that reflect the diversity within the Muslim community. Aysha, for example, is depicted wearing a hijab, a choice made to represent the many young girls who choose to wear the head covering.

The enthusiasm surrounding Time Hoppers wasn’t limited to Winnipeg. The film opened in over 650 theaters across the US and Canada, marking a significant milestone for Muslim representation on the big screen. Fourteen-year-old Esa Khan, also from Winnipeg, expressed his excitement about seeing a film “made by us or people like us.” He added, “It feels really different than other movies… it’s a great opportunity for Muslim children to see themselves on screen.”

The positive reception has already sparked conversations about a potential sequel. Khan, like many others, expressed hope that the story of the Time Hoppers will continue, offering further opportunities for Muslim children to see themselves as heroes and learn about their rich cultural heritage. The film’s success suggests a growing appetite for diverse storytelling and a willingness from audiences to embrace narratives that challenge conventional representations.