Over the past year, Franciscan Communications (Cincinnati, Ohio) has conducted the research phase of a project aimed at producing a 60-minute television documentary about contemporary Muslims and Christians seeking mutual understanding through local dialogue.

The story of the 13^th century meeting of St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil—in Damietta, Egypt—will introduce the documentary’s viewers to the modern possibility of conversation across cultural barriers, even in a time of war.

Perhaps the need for a documentary on positive movements among Muslims and Christians in the United States is obvious. In a post-9/11 world, when Islamophobia continues to be a potent and negative strain in American society, dialogue is a path towards greater mutual understanding. When Muslims and Christians stop and talk to one another about their cultures, misconceptions are dissolved, unfounded fears are allayed and new ways of building a society are discovered.

It is our hope that the documentary we envision will point out the value of local interactions across Muslim/Christian divisions, whether these be formal dialogues, or more simple social gatherings or even joint projects (i.e. working together on social issues or direct service). The documentary we plan is not simply to be viewed; it is intended to stimulate local discussion and action.

One result of our research is the12:45 minute trailer introducing both the topic and the producer, Franciscan Communications. In the trailer, we summarize several key areas where our research began and demonstrate both the range of our experts and partnerships—all of which will be deepened and developed for the final program. The trailer is not to be confused with the documentary itself, which will be about Muslim and Christian collaboration in various U.S. communities, in addition to some international settings.

Although Franciscan Communications is taking the lead on this project, this is a combined effort of Muslim and Christian entities. Key funders to date include the Houston-based Institute of Interfaith Dialog (a Muslim group) and the Catholic Communication Campaign (U.S. Catholic bishops), as well as the Franciscan Provinces of the Holy Name and St. John the Baptist. An advisory board of leading Muslims and Catholic Christians has been recruited to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the documentary’s content.

The documentary will be accompanied by a Web site with a variety of educational resources to help people foster dialogue in their communities.