"Our mission is to replace fear with security," said Salam Al-Marayati, executive director of MPAC and co-emcee of the evening. "We cannot have security unless we have freedom from fear," he said.
Writer, director and executive producer Morgan Spurlock, an Academy Award winner for his 2004 documentary "Super Size Me," received the highest honor from MPAC for his sympathetic portrayal of Muslims in "Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?"
In front of more than 500 attendees, which included prominent Muslim community leaders, reverends, rabbis, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and a spokesman for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Spurlock accepted the award graciously, greeting the crowd by saying "Assalam alaikum," the universal Islamic greeting of peace.
He explained that the original intent of his movie, which manifests itself in the title, rapidly changed when he landed on the ground and realized how similar Muslims were to Americans.
"When we started putting this film together, it was important to me to really show the silent majority," Spurlock said.
"It showed me people that I don’t see on the news."
Spurlock pledged to work against the public tide of perception to portray Islam and its followers in a more accurate light.
"The media is truly dominated by one version, one view, one interest on Islam," he reasoned.
Al-Marayati described the film as a "quest for understanding."
David Guarascio and Moses Port, creators and executive producers of "Aliens in America," a sitcom airing on the CW network that depicts a Muslim foreign exchange student from Pakistan being hosted by a Wisconsin family, were also honored for their "eye-opening" work.
Guarascio and Port consulted with MPAC to make sure they were conveying Islam and its practices accurately, all while demonstrating the day-to-day struggles of Muslims living in America.
With dreadlocks dangling atop his shoulders and a beaming smile, Guarascio thanked MPAC for their support and recognition, but warned the audience of the mainstream media’s negative response to the show.
"Not everyone has responded positively," he said. "That’s not a narrative they want to push."
"If we keep pushing this narrative, we can make a difference over time," Guarascio said, encouraging the crowd to support his show.
The third honoree of the evening, Omar Amanat, was the only Muslim to receive the award. Amanat, an ex-Wall Street executive who delved into the media world after 9/11, addressed the crowd via webcam.
"The best way to change and influence people is through the media," he argued, quoting Plato.
"Those who tell the story also rule society."
Amanat worked closely with producers and writers to ensure an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims in many movies including, "Charlie Wilson’s War" and "The Kite Runner."
Lena Khan, a young Muslim filmmaker and grand prize winner for a national film contest, also received special recognition. Her short film, "A Land Called Paradise," featured people holding signs with messages that are absent in the mainstream media.
"The media plays a vital role in bridging what people need to know," said Sheriff Lee Baca, who was impressed with the idea of MPAC’s Media Awards.
"Muslims are peace-loving people just like Americans … it’s sad people don’t understand that. Today’s event acknowledges those who understand that."
"The purpose of the media awards is to honor the voices of courage and conscience in the arts and entertainment industry," said Haris Tarin, the communications development director of MPAC.
"We want to amplify the voices that contribute to a positive discourse in our society."
