With a mission to advise on the cultural and faith-based aspects of the story, UK Muslim Film (UKMF) came onboard to serve as on-set consultants during the production and filming of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.
With a South Asian element to the story, writer and producer Jason Reitman and writer, director and executive producer Gil Kenan were on a mission to ensure that any cultural or faith-based references were handled in a respectful manner while staying true to the incredibly entertaining script.Sajid Varda, Founder and CEO of UK Muslim Film says:
“Working on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was an absolute dream come true for me. As a lifelong fan of the Ghostbuster films, being a part of this iconic franchise was beyond exciting.
“From the very beginning, it was clear that everyone involved was dedicated to honouring the legacy of Ghostbusters while bringing something fresh and exciting to the table. Working alongside incredible filmmakers like Jason and Gil was not only a privilege but also an incredibly fun experience. We all shared a passion for ensuring that every aspect of the film, especially those relating to the South Asian and faith communities, was portrayed authentically.
“Being on set during filming was like stepping into a childhood dream. Seeing the iconic ECTO-1 in action and meeting the talented cast and crew was truly unforgettable. The sense of camaraderie and passion among everyone involved made it feel like we were all part of one big family, and for me, it was a chance to reconnect with the magic of my childhood all over again.”
Making sure Muslim stories are portrayed accurately, UK Muslim Film have previously worked with C4’s comedy drama Screw, ITV’s Good Karma Hospital and C4’s Hollyoaks.
“The increase in Muslim characters and storylines in film and TV is definitely a step forward,” Sajid adds. “But, when these portrayals lean into stereotypes, it really hits hard. It’s not just about entertainment; it affects how people see and treat each other. And for Muslims, it can make us feel like we’re always on the outside looking in. Too often, I’ve noticed glaring inaccuracies in the portrayal of Islamic rituals on screen. It’s clear evidence of inadequate research and a laid-back approach to storytelling. What’s crucial is to present a thoughtful, well-informed depiction of religious and cultural themes. Considering the vast Muslim audience, estimated at around 2 billion, the stakes are incredibly high.”
UK Muslim Film (UKMF) is a charity working to change perspectives. We champion underrepresented talent and voices, both onscreen and behind the camera. Through film and television, we challenge misconceptions by ensuring authentic portrayals of Muslims on screen. We support the next generation of filmmakers to navigate the entertainment industry, because we believe that film and television have the capacity to transform, revolutionise and broaden our minds. https://ukmuslimfilm.org/
ABOUT GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE:
Directed by Gil Kenan. Written by Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman. Based on the 1984 film “Ghostbusters” an Ivan Reitman film written by Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis. Produced by Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman and Jason Blumenfeld. Executive Producers are Dan Aykroyd, Gil Kenan, JoAnn Perritano, Amie Karp, Erica Mills and Eric Rei. The film stars Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and William Atherton.
