Salaam B'y - A Story of a Muslim Newfoundlander

Salaam B’y - A Story of a Muslim Newfoundlander is a compelling and heart-warming documentary that revolves around the life and experiences of a unique individual named Aatif Baskanderi. Directed by Amar Wala, this influential movie beautifully captures Aatif's journey as a Muslim Newfoundlander, exploring the idiosyncrasies of identity, religious diversity, and the fabric of societal acceptance in a small Canadian town.

Born in Newfoundland to immigrant parents from Pakistan, Aatif Baskanderi grew up in Placentia, a small town on the island’s southern shore. Unusual for such a locale, he was raised as a Muslim in an accepting, tight-knit community where everyone truly knows their neighbors, blurring the lines between family and friends. Although his upbringing was not without challenges, the experiences he garnered helped shape his personality, outlook towards life, and approach towards diversity.

The documentary takes us along as Aatif returns to Newfoundland after completing his education and starting a career as an electrical engineer in the fast-paced tech industry of Silicon Valley. The tempo of the film fluctuates between his past and present, stimulating the viewer with a rollercoaster of impactful experiences and deep-seated reflections that are contribute to Aatif's unique life story.

In the heart of this tale, is the uplifting narrative of positive integration and acceptance that was bestowed upon the Baskanderi family by the local Newfoundland community. The town was largely uniform in terms of ethnicity, race, and religion, but it opened its heart to the Baskanderis, embracing diversity in its own cozy, little corner of the world. This acceptance is monumentally inspiring, demonstrating that tolerance and acceptance of diversity can occur anywhere, regardless of a town’s size or it's homogenous makeup.

Aside from Aatif's personal journey, this potent film profoundly explores the greater theme of religious inclusivity and pluralism. With Aatif's eloquent narrative, the viewer is taken through a journey of understanding Islam, unraveling the principles of this often misunderstood faith at a very human level. It provides an informed perspective into Islam, tearing down stereotypes by showcasing ordinary people leading extraordinary lives guided by their faith.

It also portrays a touching relationship between Aatif and his wife, Nazia Sharfuddin. Despite their different backgrounds, they share dreams, and the film briefly showcases the sweetness and challenges of their married life. This balance is skillfully blended into the storyline, further enriching the delivery of the multiple themes throughout the movie.

Throughout ‘Salaam B’y - a Story of a Muslim Newfoundlander,' the audience gets a sense of how Aatif was able to draw together the threads of his Pakistani-Muslim heritage, his personal values, and the lessons he learned growing up in Newfoundland, into a rich tapestry of individual identity that fuels his advocacy for peaceful coexistence and respectful understanding. Together, Aatif and the viewer uncover the profound truth that acceptance and love for your neighbors, irrespective of their background, is the pathway towards building harmonious society.

The cinematography is picturesque, capturing the breathtaking landscape of Newfoundland. These visuals play a spectacular role in setting the emotional tone of the film and provide a vivid backdrop to the appealing narrative.

In conclusion, ‘Salaam B’y - A Story of a Muslim Newfoundlander’ is more than a film. It’s a cultural exploration, a sociological examination,a journey of self-discovery, and an inspirational call towards tolerance, understanding, and acceptance. The compelling storytelling from Aatif Baskanderi and the gentle strokes with which it presents a narrative of a Newfoundland community paints a story that transcends borders. Every viewer stands to take away something meaningful from Aatif's experiences, making it a must-watch.