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"America's Funniest Muslim" –CNN

"Turns Fear Into Funny" –The New York Times

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY

Azhar Usman

RELEASE DATE

Nov 24, 2025

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

Azhar Usman

Jay Chapman

Paul Elia

DIRECTED BY

Paul Elia

MUSIC BY

Abed Hathot

Akram Haddad

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Steven Haas

EDITED BY

Dawood Tafsir

The Islamic States of America

Underground, Indian-American Muslim comedian Azhar Usman fearlessly skewers the modern world’s most sacred cows in this intimate, black-and-white standup film shot in a nondescript blackbox theatre in his hometown of Chicago.

SYNOPSIS

The Islamic States of America is a refreshingly honest and ferociously independent standup film by veteran (yet indie and underground) standup comic Azhar Usman, directed by his longtime collaborator, Paul Elia. The one-time co-creator of Allah Made Me Funny–The Official Muslim Comedy Tour now finds himself working in Hollywood, writing for successful TV shows, and even joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as an actor.

But who cares? From thoughtful ruminations on the circular nature of life and existence itself, to deeply confessional and personal stories, Azhar takes a startling (yet hilarious) look at his own fears, insecurities, internal contradictions, and privately held beliefs, while trying to make sense of the crazy world around us. The Islamic States of America is a tour-de-force of spiritual wisdom, philosophical examination, and raw standup comedy, illustrating why Dave Chappelle once remarked: “Azhar is untouchable, he’s like a comedian from the future.”

FILM CREDITS

Written & Performed by: Azhar Usman 

Director: Paul Elia 

Executive Producers: Azhar Usman, Jay Chapman, Paul Elia 

Consulting Producer: Danish Maqbool 

Editor: Dawood Tafsir 

Director of Photography: Steven Haas 

Music By: Abed Hathot & Akram Haddad 

Production Designer: Jim Kronzer 

Creative Consultants: Yassin “Narcy” Alsalman, Jennifer Usman, Daniel Kulasik 

Production Entities: Numinous Company, Inc. and The LowKey Company 

Filmed at Zanies Comedy Club (Chicago) & Independence Studio (Los Angeles) 

Filmed on November 13–14, 2023 & May 29, 2024

ABOUT AZHAR USMAN

After touring with Dave Chappelle for a decade, Azhar Usman delivers comedy from the margins of every part of his identity: Indian. American. Muslim. Born and raised in Chicago, this veteran standup comic and MCU actor has written, acted, and/or produced for Netflix, Disney, and Amazon, while maintaining his underground edge. A licensed attorney and former fintech founder, Usman belongs everywhere and nowhere, giving him the freedom to challenge assumptions. A paid regular at the Comedy Cellar, he performs worldwide at comedy clubs, theaters, and college campuses.

He is a member of the Writers Guild of America East and has served as Staff Writer and Co-Executive Producer of A24’s Ramy (Hulu) and Mo (Netflix). Usman has been covered by The New York Times many times since 2002 and by over 100 global media outlets. He is widely considered a pioneer of ‘Muslim comedy,’ as the co-creator of Allah Made Me Funny–The Official Muslim Comedy Tour, which inspired dozens of Muslim comics around the world. Besides his work on Ramy and Mo, he is the common thread between numerous Islam-related entertainment projects, including: Ms. Marvel (Disney+), Deli Boys (Hulu), Patriot (Amazon), MOOZ-LUM (Independent), #1 Happy Family USA (Amazon), and the highly-anticipated indie feature Diary of a Muslim Cynic (expected 2026).

ARTIST STATEMENT

“This project has been a long time coming,” said Usman. “I did a one-man show called Ultra-American: A Patriot Acts in 2016, at Silk Road Rising in Chicago, right before Trump became POTUS the first time. The world has radically evolved since then, and so have I. Repentance, the 12-Step Program, therapy, and finding myself in a stable marriage with a loving partner have helped me realize my purpose in life: to speak the hilarious—and sometimes uncomfortable—truth onstage, fearlessly and confidently. And the truth is: There’s going to be a mass conversion to Islam in the United States. Don’t take it from me; ask Cards Against Humanity."

Read Full Artist Statement