Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month

Documentaries and programs that celebrate the diversity and history of Arab American communities.

Published on March 31, 2022 by Beatrice Alvarez

About Arab American Heritage Month

Americans whose heritage connects to one or more of the 22 Arab countries have a rich history in this country dating back to 1527 when, according to the U.S. Department of State, the first people from Morocco and Lebanon immigrated to this country. Those two men, from Morocco and Lebanon respectively, were considered the first "Arab Americans."

Every April, we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month by sharing films about Arab American communities and documentaries by Arab American filmmakers.

You can also learn more from the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Coming Home | POV

In this beautiful short film, a collective of Palestinian-American dancers living in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn use traditional Dabka as a way to connect to their community and homeland.

Brooklyn Inshallah | America ReFramed

From America ReFramed: Father Khader El-Yateem, is campaigning to be New York City's first Arab American councilman. As a Lutheran Pastor and Palestinian American, El-Yateem's bid to make history reveals the aspirations and divisions of his multicultural district.

Arab Indianapolis: A Hidden History

Join author and IUPUI Professor Edward E. Curtis IV and other Arab Americans on their search for their roots in Indianapolis. This documentary reveals a new chapter in the diverse history of central Indiana. It explores the first Arabic-speaking neighborhood in Indianapolis, the service of Arab Americans in World War II, and the community's impact across the city.

On Location with the Arab American National Museum

Explore the Living in America exhibit at the Arab American National Museum with DPTV's On Location with Michigan Learning Channel.

A Broken House | POV

From POV: Mohamad Hafez received a one-way ticket to the United States. Missing his homeland, he decided to create a stand-in. A story of love, loss and creating pathways home.

Stream the Arab American Heritage Month Collection

Watch more documentaries that highlight Arab American stories and experiences on PBS.org or on the PBS app.

An Act of Worship | POV

In An Act of Worship, Muslim-Americans recount the past 30 years of pivotal moments in U.S. history and policy from their own perspective. Weaving together observational footage of activists who came of age after 9/11, community-sourced home videos and evocative recollections from individuals impacted by incidents of Islamophobia, the film opens a window into their world through collective memory.

Natour's Grocery | POV

From POV: Filmmaker Nadine Natour turns her lens on her parents and her hometown, Appomattox, VA, to capture the story of her parents’ emigration from Palestine to the United States.

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Painter Kubra Alhilali

From IdeaStream's Applause: We go inside the studio of Northeast Ohio painter Kubra Alhilali, who celebrates her Arab heritage through art. Plus, a happy accident helps an Akron artist discover a new palette. And, the Cleveland Orchestra performs a classic symphony by Shostakovich.