Stacey Dash, a Conservative actress best known for her role in the hit film "Clueless," is set to play Sudanese mother Meriam Ibrahim in an upcoming film titled "I Am a Christian."
Ibrahim's story made headlines in 2014 after she was sentenced to death by hanging for refusing to renounce her Christian faith and conform to Islam. While imprisoned along with her young son and wearing shackles, Ibrahim gave birth to a baby girl.
At the time, the young mother was charged with apostasy for converting to Christianity because her father, who abandoned her as a child, was a Muslim. She was then charged with adultery for marrying a Christian man because Muslim women are not allowed to marry outside of Islam under the Sharia Law that is enforced in Sudan. Ibrahim insisted that she had been a Christian since she was a young girl, however, and refused to recant her faith, stating "I am a Christian, and I have never been a Muslim." The Sudanese government eventually heeded the outcry of many diplomats and citizens around the world who called for Ibrahim's release.
Ibrahim's dedication to her faith in the midst of extreme difficulties has inspired millions around the world, and will be the subject of the upcoming film. Additionally, "I Am A Christian" will involve "the people who here in America who worked tirelessly to rescue her," according to the film's press release.
"Excited to bring Meriam Ibrahim's powerful story of trials and faith to the big screen," Brian Harrington, associate producer and promoter of the film, tweeted on Monday.
"I'm so humbled & Inspired to work [with Stacey Dash]," he added.
In addition to Dash, other big name actors to appear in "I Am A Christian" include Kevin Sorbo of "God's Not Dead," Rachel Hendrix ("October Baby") and Ben Davies ("Courageous"), and will be written by "Touched By An Angel" writer Brian Bird. Harrington told the AFP that he is currently searching for the "perfect director" for the film.
"We would like a Christian director who can shoot a movie, on a budget, that has a similar look and feel to 'Argo' or HBO's 'Newsroom,'" he said.
The story of Meriam Ibrahim will be produced independently by Christian Lives Matter, LLC, Harrington said, because he wants to "make this story the Christian way."
"If Hollywood makes this film then Christianity will be watered down, Sharia Law will be protected, and Meriam's story will be made totally PC," he explained.
Currently, Christian Lives Matter, LLC has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to get the project started, and are requesting $500,000 in donations.
The press release also notes that organizers of the campaign will donate 40 percent of the film's gross earnings to "Judeo/Christian charities working to fight religious persecution worldwide," and 10 percent to Meriam Ibrahim and her family "to provide life and hope for their future."
Harrington explained that although his group has been approached by private investors, having to provide a return would prevent them from using 50 percent of the film's revenue for charitable purposes.
"Therefore it is our desire to raise the entire budget on Indiegogo," he said. "It is our hope that we will be able (to) help fight back, both by raising awareness, and through the charitable donation of 50 (percent) of our gross receipts. We challenge any Hollywood studio to do the same!"
You can learn more about "I Am A Christian" here.
