When we talk about inclusion in entertainment, it’s not just placing an actor of a different ethnicity in a film or TV show for the sake of “equity” or “diversity,” but rather telling stories through authentic voices. And groups like Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau have been working to bridge that inclusivity gap for nearly 15 years.
MPAC itself has been around since 1988, while its Hollywood Bureau launched in 2011. It consists of a multicultural, multiethnic team of executives, screenwriters, producers, editors, and experts on Islamic history, religious traditions, and cultural customs.
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Since then, there have certainly been progressive and representative changes with the rise in Muslim entertainers like Houston’s own, Mo Amer of “Mo,” Kumail Nanjiani, and Iman Zawahry of Americanish, just to name a few.
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But if blockbuster movies like “Sinners” can serve as a successful example of representative storytelling, Sue Obeidi, the Senior Vice President of the Hollywood Bureau, says all underrepresented groups should take notes.
“Representation means authentic inclusion, not controlled representation by a few who have the power in the industry to basically control a narrative,” Obeidi explained.
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Audiences, as well, have taken a shine to programs that just so happen to be led by Muslim voices. Obeidi says even modern programs like “Muslim Matchmaker” and “Deli Boys,” both on Hulu, have shown revolutionary progress.
“We have, in the first quarter of 2025, had at least three shows that I love. We have ‘Muslim Matchmaker’ in February, ‘Deli Boys,’ in March, and ‘Mo’ launched its second season in January too—that’s three shows in three months—When did that ever happen and we’re talking mainstream streaming on Netflix and Hulu; it’s a big deal, especially with the industry contracting and with everything going on with DEI."
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With content creation becoming a growing trend and more diverse voices reaching wider audiences, there is hope, but it won’t be easy to break into an industry like entertainment without commitment and having a story to tell.
“It is no longer a hobby, younger generations are now saying, ‘This industry is for me, and this is going to be a job for me.’ These are the trends we’re seeing,” Obeidi added. “This industry is so competitive that your craft has to be solid because there’s someone else right behind you that’s gonna come in with that, so really want it, number one. Perfect the craft as much as you can; be the best at it and really don’t give up, OK?”
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In the end, Obeidi argues it’s up to the next generation of entertainers, Muslim or not, and in whatever political climate, to continue pushing for storytelling agency.
“It means accurate and nuanced, representing the realities of the global Muslim community. That’s representation to us at MPAC Hollywood Bureau,” she concluded. “And our ultimate goal is not only to change the narrative, but also how societies see us.”
Learn more about MPAC Hollywood Bureau by visiting their website.