São Paulo – The comic book “Khalil e sua turma” (loosely translated, Khalil and Friends) is about the day-to-day life of a Muslim boy and discuss the issue of Islamophobia, the prejudice against Muslim. The comics will be launched by the Federation of Muslim Associations of Brazil (FAMBRAS) during the 25th São Paulo International Book Biennial, to be held in São Paulo, at the Anhembi Convention Center, from August 2 to 12.
Written for kids, the comic book shows the day-to-day life of Khalil, a preteen boy that loves to play soccer and hang out with his neighbor friends but when they get to argue, he’s hit with Islamophobic hate words. The story shows the moment when Khalil bounces back from the situation and shows his friends that Islam is a peaceful religion and that he’s like any other kid who want to play and have fun.
“The comic book shows, in an entertaining way, that everyone is the same, regardless of the religion they profess,” states FAMBRAS in a press material. The federation aims, through the comic book, to discuss religions bullying and other forms of prejudice. According to FAMBRAS, children also hold a stereotype on Muslims, which needs to be undone.
The author is the Brazilian screenwriter and comic artist Rogério Mascarenhas, known as Romahs, who works for “Monica and Friends. The illustrations were done by Moroccan illustrator Malika Dahil Aguiar, who lives in Brazil. The official launching date hasn’t been set yet, but Malika should attend it.
The comic book will be distributed for free at FAMBRAS’ stand at the Book Biennial. The organization’s initial plan was to put out only one edition, but now it hasn’t ruled out the possibility of other ones.
At its stand, FAMBRAS will also distribute other publications for free, which the organization usually does outside this event. During the Book Biennial, FAMBRAS will also launch “Direct Speech”, a book written by Brazilian Ana Clara Sampaio based on her research on how Muslims feel when arriving in other countries.
FAMBRAS’ stand will exhibit some of the inventions by Arabs and Muslims that benefited humanity in the areas of astronomy, aviation, engineering, architecture, mathematics, among others.
The federation’s vice president, Ali Husseim El Zoghbi, will participate in the debate “Religion and Modern Times” on the world’s different religions on August 8, at 6:30 pm, at Arena Cultural. They will also discuss other religions.
Quick info:
FAMBRAS at the 25ª São Paulo International Book Biennial
Stand J-098
August, 03 to 12,de 2018
From Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 10 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am to 22 pm.
Anhembi convention center
Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana – São Paulo
Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
