The Film Sales Company president Andrew Herwitz has acquired worldwide sales rights to Qasim Basir’s feature directorial debut Mooz-lum.

The film recently won best narrative at New York City’s Urbanworld Film Festival and was produced by Dana Offenbach.

Evan Ross, Nia Long and Danny Glover star in the story about an African-American Muslim who comes of age as the World Trade Center attacks force him to question his role and identity in America.

“I hope those who watch this film will do it with an open mind and heart and take away a message of faith and tolerence,” Basir said.

“Given the parallels of the virulent anti-Muslim feelings stirred by the proposed mosque in downtown Manhattan today the film has already become firmly rooted in the dialogue: 100,000 hits on YouTube, 60,000 Facebook friends and coverage by BBC, CNN, and NPR,” Herwitz added.

“Not surprisingly, we have already commenced numerous domestic distribution discussions with companies who wish to move forward quickly as the film has really struck a nerve in this country.”

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