Anisa Mehdi is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and writer specializing
in religion and the arts. She was a 2009-2010 Fulbright Scholar in Jordan and teaches documentary film at
Seton Hall University. Her documentary films have appeared on PBS, ABC and National Geographic Television.
"Current events reporting often confuses faith, culture, and politics. Anisa Mehdi helps sort them out."
Society of Professional JournalistsRead about "The Hajj" in the new article by PRI (Public Radio International). Click Here
Anisa's new film on the Hajj pilgrimage premiered December 23 on PBS stations nationwide. She reports the 2013 journey of a group of Muslims from Boston as they complete the transformative rituals of the Hajj, facing setbacks and surprises along the way. The film is one of six documentaries in the series "Sacred Journeys" with Bruce Feiler and features Anisa as on-camera correspondent.
Watch Preview Below:
In this film series Anisa teams with WGBH television, Eaton Creative and Maya Vision International of London. She covers the annual pilgrimage from the point of view of group or community: what does it mean in 21st century American life to put other before self and to see other as self, in the midst of a physically and spiritually challenging adventure? We follow members and friends of the Islamic Society of Boston as they undertake this 1400-year-old sacred journey.
Anisa Mehdi: Documenting Life
Spring semester begins at Seton Hall University on January 12. Anisa’s documentary film class meets Mondays to explore the genre. We journey through time watching films on war, sports, society and the arts, appreciating the subtleties of production and point of view.
“INSIDE MECCA”
A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
SPECIAL ON PBS
Watch on YouTube
Watch on Netflix
Learn more about this documentary
View other documentaries by Anisa Mehdi
“Thank you for a wonderful presentation.
I could have listened to you for another hour.
It seemed as if you were having an intimate conversation with each of us.”
Richeleen Dashield, Dean of Multicultural Affairs,
Raritan Valley Community College
“You made important points about the role of art and
creative expression [inThose who have faith know art
cannot threaten it, Star-Ledger, September 29, 2006]. The piece is
needed both for Muslims and others. Your message seems to be
speaking to all quarters.”
David Bossman, Professor, Department
of Jewish-Christian Studies, Seton Hall University; Editor,
Biblical Theology Bulletin
“I really enjoyed the interview I had today with
Anisa Mehdi. She gives such thoughtful and clear answers. I could
talk to her over and over.”
David Lile, KFRU radio talk show host
“I was asked to name the 15-20 most influential US Muslims who are shaping what Muslims and non-Muslim think about Islam and Muslims and [Anisa Mehdi was] on my list.”
Tayyibah Taylor, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Azizah Magazine
Did you know the late Dr. Mohammad T. Mehdi, head of the American Arab Relations Committee and National Council on Islamic Affairs?
How did he impress you? How did he inspire you?
In what circumstances and when did your paths cross?
As she begins an in-depth biography of her father, Anisa Mehdi
requests your input as a source of primary research. Please send a
story about or a memory of Dr. M.T. Mehdi to "An Arab Looks at
America":MTM@anisamehdi.com
Include your contact information for possible follow-up.