Films are one of the most crucial kinds of art, capable of igniting debates about critical subjects that we often choose to ignore. However, they wouldn’t be conceivable without the unique takes of performers and directors who bring their thoughts to life. Hence, they are powerful tools for conveying ideas, and “ideas are bulletproof,” as the critically acclaimed film V for Vendetta suggested. In light of this, when we discuss the act of expressing significant ideas through film, we must mention the talented actor Riz Ahmed. Ahmed is one of Hollywood’s most diversified and talented actors, having appeared in a number of productions that addressed a variety of important themes that we as a society have not been exposed to yet.
The British-Pakistani actor’s career is filled with Oscar nominations and major projects, making him a true Hollywood powerhouse to be reckoned with. In 2019, he became the first Muslim and Pakistani actor to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Sound of Metal, in which he played a heavy-metal drummer who is losing his hearing and must adjust to his new situation. Ahmed spent seven months learning American Sign Language (ASL) to prepare for such a prominent role in this film, which attempted to portray the deaf community inside the music scene. This illustrates his dedication and enthusiasm for such a significant responsibility.
Also, Ahmed was the executive producer for the animated feature “Flee,” which was developed in collaboration with Vice and tells the story of a man who shares his hidden past of fleeing Afghanistan for the first time. In an interview with Vice, Ahmed discussed how this film is relevant to the current situation in Ukraine, where a large number of people are fleeing the country as it gets devoured by war.
Furthermore, this is not just a tale about Afghanistan and how it relates to Ukraine; it is also a story about Syria, Palestine, Libya, and other countries where the refugee problem is an untouched topic that no one dares to discuss, while social media pays little attention to it.
Apart from larger films, Ahmed’s short film, The Long Goodbye, has just won an Oscar! This is a film about Ahmed and his family going about their daily lives in their home while a far-right march plays on the television in the background, finally arriving at their front door and causing a devastating outcome. In this startling and emotional encounter, Ahmed gives us an outstanding performance, exposing to us the horrific consequences of what hate speech and racism may finally lead to. Another issue to which social media contributes significantly is the spread of hate speech.
In his acceptance speech, Ahmed claimed:
This is for everyone who feels like they don’t belong. Anyone who feels like they’re stuck in no man’s land. You’re not alone. We’ll meet you there. That’s where the future is. Peace.
Riz Ahmed via The Guardian
The Long Goodbye also includes music from Ahmed’s same-named album, which was published in 2021 and reflects on his identity as a British-Pakistani artist. Ahmed is now the first Muslim to win an Oscar, making history as usual!
It’s worth noting that actors play a significant role in our culture, promoting awareness and inspiring others to act through their films. Ahmed’s films address a variety of themes in many countries, ranging from hate crimes to refugee crises. His work reflects his passion and enthusiasm for communicating critical messages to the globe. These are issues that we frequently overlook. Because films are such a unique form of art, they unconsciously captivate our attention and encourage us to reflect on a variety of subjects, including our own realities, politics, and even racial differences.