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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.

Genres: Documentary

Released: October 24, 2011

Runtime: 90.0

Popularity Rating: 0.049

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