Koran by Heart

Synopsis

In this 80-minute documentary, three 10-year-old children leave their native countries to participate in one of the Islamic world’s most famous competitions, a test of memory and recitation known as The International Holy Koran Competition. Up against much older students, these youngsters have committed the 600 pages of the Koran to memory, and will put their skills to the test before the elite of the world’s Muslim community in Cairo, Egypt. In the midst of this intense international competition, the three young competitors –two boys from Senegal and Tajikistan, and one girl from the Maldives – face uncertain futures at home, as they are caught between fundamentalist and moderate visions of Islam. The children discuss their recitation techniques – with accompanying, completely improvised melodies – and talk about their nerves and excitement as they finally compete before a panel of judges.

Main Cast

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Directing	Director	Greg Barker
Editing	Editor	Langdon Page
Production	Producer	John Battsek David Grabias Julie Goldman Greg Barker
	Executive Producer	Sheila Nevins
Crew	Cinematography	Timothy Grucza Frank-Peter Lehmann
Sound	Sound Recordist	Steven Utt
Department	Role	Name

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