Watch Time for Ilhan

Time for Ilhan is a 2018 documentary film that chronicles Somali-American Ilhan Omar's successful bid for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016. The film, directed by Norah Shapiro, follows Omar's grassroots political campaign as she challenges the long-standing incumbent, Phyllis Kahn. The documentary provides an intimate and inspiring look into the life of the young Muslim woman who went from being a political outsider to becoming one of the most popular politicians in the state of Minnesota. The movie begins by providing an overview of Ilhan Omar's family history and how she came to the United States as a refugee with her family after the Somali civil war.

Throughout the documentary, Shapiro skillfully interweaves archival footage, interviews, and campaign coverage to give viewers an inside look at Omar's personal and political journey. The film highlights the challenges Omar faced as a Muslim woman running for office in the midst of a heated presidential election campaign.

One of the most striking features of the film is the way in which it captures the energy and momentum of Omar's campaign. From her first speech at the Cedar-Riverside Community School, Omar's charisma and commitment to her constituents are palpable. The film also showcases Omar's unique ability to connect with voters across the political spectrum, from progressives to conservatives.

Throughout the film, Shapiro artfully captures the turbulence of the political landscape in the United States during the 2016 election. Much of the documentary is devoted to documenting the hateful and bigoted attacks that Omar received during her campaign from right-wing media outlets and political opponents. Despite these attacks, Omar remains unwavering in her commitment to her community and her campaign.

One of the most poignant moments in the film occurs when Omar is confronted by a group of hecklers at a campaign event. Rather than reacting with anger or hostility, Omar calmly engages with the protesters and listens to their concerns. This moment not only highlights Omar's grace under pressure but also serves as a testament to her skills as a politician able to connect with even those who disagree with her.

The film also includes interviews with a range of people who played a key role in Omar's campaign, including family members, campaign staff, and volunteers. These interviews give viewers a sense of the teamwork and passion that was required to make Omar's campaign successful.

Overall, the film is a moving and inspiring tribute to Ilhan Omar's incredible journey from refugee to politician. It provides insight into the political landscape in Minnesota, and the United States as a whole and the struggles that many Muslim Americans face in a country that is increasingly hostile to minority communities.

Time for Ilhan is a potent reminder of the importance of grassroots politics and the difference that a dedicated group of people can make when they come together to support a common cause. The film is a testament to the power of hope over fear, unity over division, and love over hate.

In conclusion, Time for Ilhan is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in American politics, refugee and immigrant issues, or the power of collective action. Omar's story is a testament to the perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and provides an important message of hope for all those who seek to create a better world for themselves and their communities.

Time for Ilhan is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.