Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu follows Somali American's first political campaign.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Where to Watch
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Time for Ilhan
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In TIME FOR ILHAN, director Norah Shapiro uses public appearances, private moments, interviews, and newsreel footage to tell the timely story of a "marginalized" immigrant Muslim woman of color seeking political office. With a brief look at Ilhan's background, her struggles as a refugee (with some footage of a refugee camp), and her arrival in the United States at age 12, the movie centers on Ilhan's candidacy, a natural result of her work as a community activist. Given the Democratic plurality in Minnesota's 5th District, which includes the University of Minnesota and an active Minneapolis Somali American enclave, there will be no Republican candidate on the November ballot. Thus, the August state primary is the one that matters. Her opponents are Phyllis Kahn, the incumbent, who has served as state legislator for 44 years, and Mohamud Noor (also a Somali American), running against Kahn for the second time. Against early odds, Ilhan triumphs in August, only to be threatened soon after by rumors about a second marriage and immigration improprieties. Devastated, Ilhan opts for privacy, and the film crew is refused access until the record is set straight and the legislator-elect can resume her journey to the state capitol building in St. Paul.
Is It Any Good?
Norah Shapiro's good fortune (or clairvoyance) in opting to film Ilhan Omar's first run for office has resulted in the inspirational story of an underdog candidate on her way to national prominence. And, despite the fact that the outcome is well-known, both the situations and the adept filmmaking make the journey suspenseful. Released in a culture of fear of "the other," Time for Ilhan also serves to give viewers an enlightened portrait of an Islamic woman: her devotion to family and community, and her faith. Ilhan herself proves to be a formidable politician despite her delicate stature, her likability, and the newness of her venture. Ilhan's kids couldn't be more "all-American" or more adorable. Best of all, the movie is a jubilant salute to the landmark diversity of the 2018 U.S. elections.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the purposes of documentary filmmaking: to entertain, to inform, to persuade, to inspire. To which of these purposes does Time for Ilhan aspire? Why and how?
How does the film emphasize and illustrate such character strengths as perseverance, courage, teamwork, and communication?
Learn more about "changing the demographic of public life." Who are some of the other recently elected officials who fit this statement? How does the inclusion of these folks enrich our political future?
It's interesting to note that after serving one term in Minnesota's House of Representatives, Ilhan was elected to the U.S. Congress. Do you feel that she gave herself a chance to fulfill her promises of 2016 to her electorate in state affairs? Or do you agree with her that it was important to take her message to the larger national stage?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 8, 2019
- Cast : Ilhan Omar
- Director : Norah Shapiro
- Studio : The Film Sales Company
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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