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A groundbreaking animated feature made by, for, and about Muslims is hitting theaters this weekend. The Canadian film, “Time Hoppers: The Silk Road,” follows four time-traveling kids as they journey back to the ninth century along the Silk Road. Their mission: battle villains and protect historical figures during the Golden Age of Islam.
The film’s co-director, Flordeliza Dayrit, explained that the story was created to give Muslim children heroes they can relate to. “It’s important for kids to see themselves celebrated in culture and history,” Dayrit said. “Especially today, when Islamophobia still exists in popular culture, this is a way to counter negative narratives.”
Meet the Heroes
The four main characters—Layla, Khalid, Aysha, and Abdullah—each showcase unique strengths:
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Khalid: book-smart
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Aysha: physically intelligent, wears a hijab
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Abdullah: street-smart
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Layla: emotionally intelligent
Dayrit emphasized that the characters are designed to be relatable. “We want kids to see themselves as superheroes, with strengths and insecurities they can connect to,” she said.
Adventure and Lessons
The kids face a time-traveling villain named Fasid, an evil alchemist. They must be brave and resourceful to protect historical figures and navigate challenges along the Silk Road. The story encourages courage, independence, and creativity, showing children that they can make a difference in the world.
Dayrit also highlighted the significance of seeing a girl in a hijab as a superhero. “For me personally, it was empowering to see heroes like Fatima al-Fihri and Lubna of Córdoba. Now, children can see themselves as superheroes too, ready to face challenges bravely.”
The film combines action, history, and cultural education, offering a fun and inspiring experience for children while celebrating Muslim heritage.
