American Public Televison

Description: Whether we want to or not many American's knee jerk reaction when they hear about Muslims and flying is September 11, 2001. So knowing the risks and reactions – what would make a Muslim-American man want to learn how to fly post-9-11? In the moving film, On a Wing and a Prayer, viewers meet Monem Salam, his wife Iman and their children during the course of Monem's decision to follow his passion and attempt to secure his pilot's license. Monem is a financial advisor, the son of a Pakistani commercial pilot. His wife Iman's family is Palestinian and although initially dubious about the marriage, now accepts the cultural differences. With three young children, Iman's prankish student days are behind her. She's happy to find time to cultivate her inner domestic diva, wisecracking about her entertaining skills and her husband's flight plans. Monem's "green" decision to commute by scooter, only heightens his likeability. In the aftermath of 9-11, the flying lessons are not so easy to arrange and once underway, it's a bumpy ride filled with technical glitches and confusion. It's a situation that Iman doesn't hesitate to comment on. This gently funny film follows Monem as he works towards his goal, engaging his wife, family and community in the process. "As American citizens each and every one of us, no matter our religious affiliations, has the freedom to follow our passions," notes On a Wing and a Prayer producer-director Max Kaiser from Handcrank Films. "Monem's father was a commercial airline pilot for 25 years, instilling in Monem the love of flight yet society's perceptions of Muslims made his journey a very difficult one yet it did not deter Monem from following his heart."