Freedom: Travelers of Guidance

Freedom, a documentary by the French-Malaysian couple Julien Drolon and Zara Shafie Drolon, brings together fifty captivating conversion stories from twenty-five countries, spanning fifteen languages across six continents, promising a profound ninety-minute experience for its audience.

This documentary, produced by Halis Media, aims to draw attention to the growing Islamophobia in Europe and across the globe, highlighting that converts can serve as suitable ambassadors to dispel misconceptions about Islam.

The title “Freedom” carries profound symbolism. Julien Drolon shares that he wanted to underscore the term “freedom,” which the Western world frequently uses, while also associating it with the misunderstood values of Islam. By starting with the question, “Is the world truly free right now?” the documentary connects us with the life-changing journeys of twenty-five women and twenty-five men who embraced Islam from different corners of the world and diverse professional backgrounds.

The documentary takes us on a visual journey, visiting countries such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Japan, Kenya, England, France, Germany, Poland, Peru, Mexico, Australia, and many more. While each conversion story carries us to distant places, Aliza from Thailand‘s words, “I felt like I was living a life that wasn’t truly mine,” should resonate within all of us. This serves as a reminder to reflect on the reasons behind the lives we lead, whom we live for, and ultimately, where we are headed. The documentary’s profound message is clear: May Allah guide us in our pursuits so that we do not regret the choices we make.

A Brief Overview of the Producers

Julien Drolon, originally from France and currently residing in Malaysia, was formerly a journalist, lyricist, and singer. He embraced Islam in 2012 after extensive research on religion and has since been involved in various projects, including New Muslim Care. In 2018, he engaged with students at Ibn Haldun University.

Zara Shafie Drolon, a chemical engineer and former musician, left her music career in 2013 after embracing Islam. She briefly worked in her field and now dedicates her time to charity projects. She is a mother of three sons.