What is THANK YOU FOR THINKING OF ME 

Led by a Black Muslim father, a community takes on the police, the media, and city hall for the sake of one mother’s freedom. Scroll to the bottom for an exclusive 5-minute preview!

This story begins at Jami Masjid. Once an abandoned church on the East Side of Buffalo, we were inspired to document the changes in the neighborhood when our community renovated the church into a masjid.

Over the years, improvements happened. Muslims built a new playground for the kids in the neighborhood. They hosted barbecues and giveaways and worked to make the city safer.

But in 2020, a member of our community was assaulted by the police on live television. 

Myles Carter became Muslim as a young man, and he credits Islam with guiding him to serve others before serving himself. So when the spotlight focused on him after his brutal assault by the police, he turned it to someone else in need instead.

The recipient of Myles’ advocacy is Deyanna Davis. A single mother who found herself unjustly imprisoned the same night Myles was attacked. 

Together with Deyanna’s family, Myles led thousands of people in calling for Deyanna’s release. They occupied downtown Buffalo, and were met with immense resistance. In times of darkness, Myles turned to prayer and his community and kept his faith. After 45 days of protest they succeeded in challenging the system and bringing Deyanna home.

As Deyanna faces trial and cares for her children, she embarks on a journey back to Islam and rediscovering her faith. She still faces severe consequences for the accident that occured in 2020, but with the support of family and trust in God, her sentence is significantly reduced. 

Watch this 5-minute preview!

Centering Prayer in our Lives

In five acts representing the phases of the day and the Salat times, this documentary poetically unravels the power of community against the failures of our justice system. From the dusk of the assault, to the dawn of activists rallying behind Deyanna through the high heat of her trial, Thank You for Thinking of Me is a deep exploration into the struggle of maintaining faith in the face of extreme injustice. 

Stories Make Us Safer

Through this film we aim to invite Muslims and non-Muslims to gain a deeper understanding of Islam as it is practiced in the USA. 

In addition this film:

• Ensures that the unjust treatment of Muslim Americans and Black Americans in this country does not evade public scrutiny.
• Bears witness to systems of oppression that remain prevalent in the United States.
• Holds the media accountable for their biases.
• Serves as historical preservation of the uprisings of 2020 and the impact made on one city, one mosque, and one family.
• Inspires young people to lead their own grassroots activism campaigns.

“Malcolm (X)… had a deep understanding of the way that brutality here, State Violence in the United States was connected to State violence abroad and American Imperialism as a whole.” - Imam Omar Suleiman

Muslims are Underrepresented in Film

How can we address the violence we face around the world when we are so underrepresented in the media? An investment in Muslim storytellers will have a positive impact on our community in the long term.

Worldwide Impact

We strive to complete this film for global release in 2025.

43% of funds will go towards hiring a professional editor to complete post-production

25% of funds will cover our remaining production costs for 2024.

12% of funds will cover the creation of an original soundtrack.

8% of funds will go towards an impact partnership to ensure that this film is seen and positively impacts communities.

8% of funds will be needed for marketing to raise awareness about this story.

4% of funds will be cover local artists to design the film poster and graphics.

Filmmaking is a collaborative effort. 100% of funding will have a direct impact on people who are working to create change through storytelling.

Who We Are

Akram Shibly - Director/Producer 

Akram Shibly was born to Syrian immigrants in Buffalo, NY. As a child, he spent his summers in Damascus, cultivating a passion for filmmaking and storytelling. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Media Production and Philosophy from the University at Buffalo, and an MFA in Screenwriting from DePaul university, receiving awards for his innovative philosophy papers and narrative scripts. Akram spent years devoting his talents to documenting the Syrian refugee crisis, including the award-winning film Waiting at the Door and From A Distance. He founded True Intent Productions with a mission to serve humanity through enlightening entertainmentleading dozens of international productions for humanitarian causes.

The team also includes: Emmy-nominated Executive Producer Rosie Garthwaite from BBC World Service's Investigations Unit. Producer Sara States, a champion of independent cinema. Producer Taylor Mason an advocate for gender justice and an end to mass incarceration for over ten years. Consulting Producer Hakeem Khaaliq an award-winning film director, producer, visual anthropologist, and cinematographer. Photographer Mustafa Hussain a South Asian Muslim American photojournalist and editorial photographer.

 Please, donate generously. Thank you!