The Muslims Are Coming!

D: Negin Farsad, Dean Obeidallah

Stand-up comedians Negin Farsad and Dean Obeidallah decided to fight back against rising Islamophobia the only way they knew how: by being really effing funny. Corraling other Muslim comics, they embarked on a Middle America and Deep South tour – documented here by Farsad and Obeidallah with zestful showmanship – that mixed stand-up shows with fun stunts that slyly educated in the process (in one town square, they set up an “Ask a Muslim Anything” booth). Supporting commentary comes from the likes of Jon Stewart, Lewis Black, and Rachel Maddow, but the real stars, rightly so, are Farsad and Obeidallah, self-appointed goodwill ambassadors with a gift for gab and going blue. In addition to their AFF screenings, they’ll perform stand-up at the New Movement Theater on Oct. 18 at 8pm.

Friday, Oct. 19, 8:30pm, Bob Bullock IMAX; Sunday, Oct. 21, 3:30pm, ACC

This article appears in October 19 • 2012.

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A graduate of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, Kimberley has written about film, books, and pop culture for The Austin Chronicle since 2000. She was named Editor of the Chronicle in 2016; she previously served as the paper’s Managing Editor, Screens Editor, Books Editor, and proofreader. Her work has been awarded by the Association of Alternative Newsmedia for excellence in arts criticism, team reporting, and special section (Best of Austin). The Austin Alliance for Women...