On a Wing And a Prayer People

UPF's On a Wing And a Prayer gets its strength from its characters. Here's some background on the people in the film.

Iman Salam

Last seen wearing a purple dinosaur outfit as the school mascot in high school, Iman is now an outgoing, fun-loving young mother. She just happens to be Muslim. And wear the hijab. Stylish, modern, and pretty, Iman would love to be the next "Islamic Martha Stewart," that is, when she's not burning something in the kitchen. Her most important role, however, is taking care of her three kids and being a good mom. Definitely scared about Monem's flying lessons, Iman feels life deeply, shows emotions with unabashed openness, and expresses the conflict of being a Muslim woman in America today.

Matthew Munson

This 22-year old flight instructor is definitely cute, but he's no Tom Cruise "Top Gun" type of pilot. Serious and somewhat nerdy in his total dedication to flying and following all the proper procedures, he really wants Monem to succeed. Now if only Monem could find the time to study and prepare before his flying lessons! Matt puts some heavy pressure on Monem to do everything correctly. Of course he does - Monem is Matt’s first student - ever. But will it work?

Monem Salam

Helmet complete with flaming blue racing stripe, Monem zooms around town... at the speed limit... on his scooter. Proud of getting 90 miles to the gallon, he's quick to smile. Monem greets the world with childlike innocence, despite being a Muslim totally dedicated to Islam. His emotions show in his eyes when he's reluctant to say them aloud--like when telling Iman about the problematic planes with missing screws. Monem has to travel a lot for work--tough on the whole family, not to mention his progress in the flying lessons back home.

On a Wing and a Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly showed my students that Americans are Americans and their religion, culture, and families can all coexist. Overall, the students loved the sincerity and look at one of our millions of Americans that call themselves Muslims.

Chris Murray

Which is why Monem Salam had to do it.Well, proving a point wasn't the sole reason. Salam has dreamed of being a pilot since he was a boy in Pakistan. He was drawn to Bellingham Airport by the same force as everyone in his beginner's class. He wanted to touch the sky. [On a Wing and a Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly]

Seattle Times

On a Wing and a Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly helps remove some of the clichés about the alleged strangeness of Muslims and points to their successful assimilation into American life.

Dr. Paul Mojzes

Students were engaged in a discussion about racism in general and in the workplace [after watching On a Wing and a Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly].

Joe Menendez

On A Wing And A Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly was a great way to expose my students to a culture in a fun way, and led to a great discussion afterward! I have also made the video available to my colleagues, and several people have expressed interest in screening it for their classes.

Melissa Harris

The data in this excellent film counters the perceptions formed by those watching mainstream media. We think it should be shown as oftern as possible, maybe even as one minute soundbites (as a psa/commercial) to counter the misleading ideas that have been formed.

Katie Zawacki Community Specialist, Lynchburg, VA

A positive, truthful image of Muslims brings about peace. One of the greatest forces of peace in our society right now –UPF, that has brought you these wonderful films. Support UPF.

Imam Zaid Shakir Zaytuna Institute

[Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet] provided the historical background necessary to understand the Islamic religion…students not only enjoyed the film, but also learned a great deal by watching it.

Cindy P. Wilson AP American Government, Centennial, CO

[Inside Islam] was enlightening—especially the surprising data…that the vast majority of Muslims believe in freedom of speech.

Ryan Scherbart

The general reaction to [Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet] was positive, there were many aspects of Islam that we were not aware.

Maria Erdo