2008 Sami-o-Basri Highlights

In 2008, the MKA USA Sami-o-Basri team's focus was two fold

1.  Use video to communicate the latest news, events and activity at a National and Local Level.

2.  Create a distribution model where these videos could be watch.

The second goal is very much in vogue these days with Web 2.0.  The basic concept is if you build the distribution model (ex. Flickr for photos, Linked In for networking, uTube for videos) then users will generate the content.  So Sami-o-Basri team worked closely with MKA USA Web team to create a video portal as part of mkausa.org, where visitors could watch our videos. 

Along with the portal, we began our regular podcasts in February.  A podcast is like Tivo for your computer or MP3 Player.  Members of MKA USA are encouraged to "subscribe" for free to our podcast. Every time a new program is available (at least once or twice a month), that video will be downloaded automatically to your computer for you to watch on your computer, iPod, or iPhone.  Not only does MKA USA have its own podcast, but Alislam also has a podcast where you can watch Hazoor's Friday Khutba on the go.  It really is pretty cool!

Once the distribution model was put on place, we focused on encouraging local Majalis to create their own videos.  To help train our Khuddam, Momin Bhatti created two in depth training videos on how to make a program.  Part 1 showed how to film, and Part 2 showed how to edit using the free Windows Movie Maker software.  This very popular program resulted in some great videos that you can watch right now on the web including:

Videos created by local Majalis
-  Austin Waqar-e-aml video setting up their new Mosque
- Portland's Ramadhan celebration
- East region Khilafat skiing trip and QRC
- Philly Video Game Weekend
- Capitol Metro Q/A Sessions with Sadr Sahib, finance sessions, and Regional Ijtema
- Midwest Regional QRC Interviews
- New  York Metro Adopt A Highways and Career Workshops

Nationally, following videos were created
- QRC Highlights
- Interviews with Mufti Sadiq Winners
- Multiple videos covering KIST 2008 including hour long documentary shown on MTA International
- MKA Video News
- Intro to Depts (SoB, Atfal, Tarbiyyat, Mohtamid)
- Messiah Films.  Over a dozen videos defending various attacks against Islam.  A must see!!!!
- Islamic Games 2008
- National Ijtema 2008 (over 20 videos online!)
- MKA USA KCC Initiative
- Adopt A Highway Documentary coming soon to MTA International

Mashalla, it was a busy but fruitful year for the Sami-o-Basri department.  Through August 2008, over 127 videos and 17 podcasts have been published.  If you're interested in the art of audio, video, graphic design or sound editing, please contact us so we can leverage your creativity and energy as we spread the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat.