On January 20th, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America. As we reflect on how we got here, again, there will be a virtual screening of The Candidate, a verité documentary directed by Chicago-based, Jack C. Newell and produced by Lamorne Morris, offering an intimate portrayal of progressive Democrat Qasim Rashid‘s campaigns during two congressional races.
In 2020, Rashid ran for Virginia’s 1st congressional district, securing the Democratic nomination but ultimately losing to incumbent Republican Rob Wittman. In 2024, Rashid relocated to Illinois and contested the Democratic primary for the state’s 11th congressional district, challenging seven-term incumbent Bill Foster. Despite a vigorous campaign, Rashid was unsuccessful, with Foster securing 76.6% of the vote to Rashid’s 23.4%.
The film provides a compelling look into the obstacles faced by progressive candidates in the American political landscape, highlighting Rashid’s dedication to combating xenophobia and corporate interests while navigating the complexities of campaigning during a global pandemic.
VIRTUAL SCREENING OF THE CANDIDATE
Hosted by Qasim Rashid, Lamorne Morris & Jack C. Newell
WHEN
January 16, 8:00 PM CST
PRICE
$5.00 USD per person
AVAILABLE IN
Worldwide
The Candidate premiered in August 2024, at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, featuring a Q&A with director Jack C. Newell, Qasim Rashid, and producer Lamorne Morris. The documentary has been showcased at various film centers, including the Tallgrass Film Center, and is available for virtual screenings.
Qasim Rashid is a Pakistani-American attorney, human rights activist, author, and former political candidate. His work focuses on advocating for justice, equality, and the protection of marginalized communities. Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on July 21, 1982, Rashid immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age. He grew up in the Chicago area and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in Virginia.
Rashid is a licensed attorney specializing in human rights law and has worked on issues such as asylum, religious freedom, and civil rights. An outspoken advocate for social justice, Rashid is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a religious group known for its peace and tolerance efforts. He often writes and speaks on issues related to Islamophobia and interfaith understanding. He has authored several books, including The Wrong Kind of Muslim: An Untold Story of Persecution & Perseverance (2013), a personal and historical account of persecution faced by religious minorities; Talk to Me: Changing the Narrative on Race, Religion, and Education (2020), a guide to engaging in productive conversations on divisive issues; and Hannah and the Ramadan Gift (2021), a children’s book that highlights the values of kindness and generosity during Ramadan.
Rashid is also a frequent commentator on issues like civil rights, religious freedom, and public policy, appearing on platforms like CNN, NPR, and The Washington Post. His social media presence is significant, where he engages in discussions about justice, faith, and equality. He is married with three children and often shares anecdotes about his family to illustrate broader points about kindness and empathy.
Jack C. Newell, the director of The Candidate, is an accomplished Chicago-based filmmaker with a diverse portfolio of narrative and documentary features. His notable works include Monuments (2020), a narrative feature blending comedy and drama, following a widower’s journey to honor his late wife’s wishes; Hope Springs Eternal (2018), a coming-of-age comedy about a teenager navigating life after a cancer remission; Open Tables (2015), a film exploring relationships and the restaurant scene in Chicago and Paris; Close Quarters (2011), a narrative feature about the intertwined lives of apartment residents; 42 Grams (2017), a documentary about a chef transforming his underground dining experience into a Michelin-starred restaurant; How (Not) to Build a School in Haiti (2022), a documentary examining international aid through the lens of constructing a school in Haiti; and Christmas with Felicity (2021) and Reporting for Christmas (2023), holiday-themed narrative features showcasing Newell’s versatility.
In addition to his filmmaking, Newell serves as the Program Director of The Harold Ramis Film School at The Second City, contributing to the development of emerging comedic talent.
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