Rising political star Ilhan Omar, a charismatic Somali Muslim and young mother of three, seeks election to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Can she unseat the 43-year female incumbent, defeat the Somali male candidate she previously worked for, and beat back increasing Islamophobia under Trump Nation? Filmmaker Norah Shapiro chronicles the hard-fought three-way race for state representative in the United States' largest Somali community. With tension and urgency, she shows how gender bias, cultural tradition and fake news play a part in all levels of contemporary American politics. As much a campaign drama as a personal portrait, Time for Ilhan stresses the need for citizens to exercise their right to vote, the importance of passion and oratory skills for leadership, and how essential it is to a community and country of immigrants that government representation be diverse. Women, especially women of colour, can and should run—the world! Angie Driscoll
Co-presented with ReelWorld Film Festival.
Silence Breakers program presented in partnership with OXFAM CANADA.