Qasim “Q” Basir has been taking the movie industry by storm for years now, but it wasn’t always about the movies. He was planning on a career in law until he flew through the window of a car during a traffic accident in 2002. He said that while recovering from his injuries, "I decided I needed to do what I loved, and make a difference while doing so." That was making movies. After completing his first feature film, 1Nation 2Worlds, he began doing just that. He took the film to colleges and universities all over the country, challenging students and professors to open discussions on the important issue of race. “I feel like ignorance is one of the most significant issues hindering our society today,” says Qasim. His next film, award winning short “Glimpse,” dealt with a different subject but had the same idea, erasing ignorance. But this time, as it deals with Muslims in America. More recently, Qasim has been concentrating on more pressing matters, creating a short film series aimed at supporting Presidential candidate Barack Obama. The series, The Inspiration of Barack: “Yes We Can” Film Series, is a compilation of seven short films all dealing with different people who become inspired by Obama to take essential steps forward in their lives. Similar to 1Nation 2Worlds, he plans to take the series to theaters around the country, release the videos on the internet and eventually get them to the campaign itself. “My whole purpose is to help change the world. Obama getting in office will be a huge step in that direction. This is my way of trying to help him do so.”

Qasim has been featured in publications such as USA Today, The New York Times, The New York Post, Crain's Business Magazine, The Detroit News, The Michigan Chronicle and more. He has also appeared on a number of TV and radio shows as a result of his work.

Blog Entries by Qasim Basir

The Inspiration of Barack: McReagan, 40 Years Later

1 Comments | Posted November 3, 2008 | 05:47 PM (EST)


As we approach the final days before the biggest, most important election of our time, we must all give it one final push toward the finish line. This has been a long journey, significant to each of us in its own way, important to us all the same. But while...

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The Inspiration of Barack: What Does it Take?!

22 Comments | Posted October 9, 2008 | 04:57 PM (EST)


After eight screenings from NY to MI, "Yes We Can" reached 150,000 views on YouTube and received comments from all across the board. I am pleased by the incredible amount of support and trying my hardest to find ways to get the message across to some who are still having...

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The Inspiration of Barack: Back to Message -- "Vote"

Posted September 23, 2008 | 03:05 PM (EST)


We've had our first two screenings of the Series and the "Yes We Can" Tour has begun. As a result, my vision has become clear. The message I must convey is obvious and I've found my voice!

As I remained planted in my seat in the back of the...

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The Inspiration of Barack: "Yes We Can" -- College

Posted September 9, 2008 | 12:44 PM (EST)


In my previous blog I failed to mention much about the process we undertook in order to complete the series. By no means was it easy, and it took everything we had to pull together resources and finish. From receiving free assistance from usually well paid professionals, to raising most...

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The Inspiration of Barack: "Yes We Can" Film Series

Posted September 7, 2008 | 04:31 AM (EST)


I could sit here all day writing down the reasons why I support Barack Obama. In my lifetime, I don't remember another person who has been more influential. He is intelligent, logical, strong, honest, dedicated, honorable, passionate and -- most of all -- inspirational. He has inspired me, a usually...

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