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End Credits Song: “JESUS SAVE ME NOW” by Azhar Usman (feat. Amir Sulaiman) | Music by Abed Hathot & Akram Haddad | Tar Player: Alireza Khodayari | Courtesy of True + Living Media LLC | Produced by Azhar Usman & Abed Hathot | © 2025 Levantine Music LLC & Numinous Company, Inc.

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

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

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Year of Production: 2023-2024

Release Date: November 24, 2025

Runtime: 46:47

Country of Origin: United States of America

Language: English (Original)

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Widescreen - Standard YouTube)

Video Format: 1080 H264

Audio Format: Stereo 48Hz

Locations: Chicago, Illinois & Woodland Hills, California, USA

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 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

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).

ABOUT NUMINOUS COMPANY

Numinous Company, Inc. provides creative producing and consulting services to leading creators of culture, enhancing their high-quality work by making it funnier, more meaningful, and more engaging. Its portfolio includes consulting for top stand-up acts, developing original comedy series for major streaming platforms, and advising global nonprofits on ‘edutainment.’ Numinous Company also produces its own content while remaining committed to the gift economy: give what you can, take what you need.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the Film

When and where does the film premiere?

The film premieres on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET on YouTube, via the official AZ.TV channel (@AZdotTV).

How should we describe this project?

It’s not a “special.” It’s an experimental standup comedy film—intimate, black-and-white, and cinematic in scope. It is comprised of standup footage and four scripted vignettes.

What’s the logline?

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 his hometown of Chicago.

Why call it a “film” instead of a “special”?

Because it was produced more like a movie set than a comedy club taping. It includes narrative interlude vignettes and cinematic elements beyond stand-up. The word “special” doesn’t quite apply.

How would you describe the film’s meta-thesis?

The piece suggests that "The Unstoppable Tide of Islam" (© Cards Against Humanity) will sweep across America: through comedy, culture, and ultimately mass conversion. Whether one takes that literally or as satire is up to the viewer, subject to interpretation.

About Azhar Usman

Who is Azhar Usman?

He’s an Indian-American Muslim stand-up comedian, a WGA writer, and a SAG-AFTRA actor. His credits include writing/producing on Ramy (Hulu), Mo (Netflix), and numerous standup specials (HBO, Netflix, All Things Comedy, YouTube), and acting in Ms. Marvel (Disney+), Patriot (Amazon), #1 Happy Family USA (Amazon), and Deli Boys (Hulu). He is a paid regular at the Comedy Cellar in NYC.

What do other comedians say about him?

• Dave Chappelle: “Azhar Usman is untouchable. He is like a comedian from the future.”

• Mr. Dick Gregory: “Allah Made Me Funny takes you to another planet.”

• Hasan Minhaj: “AZ is the comedian whisperer extraordinaire. He’s the No I.D. of comedy.”

• Pete Holmes: “Azhar Usman is mythic, undeniable. Dude’s like Paul Bunyan.”

What makes his comedy distinct?

He blends social commentary, spiritual insight, and biting satire–delivered with a mix of underground credibility and mainstream polish.

Themes & Controversy

Is this film anti-American?

No. It’s an exercise of free speech—the last bastion of which lives in stand-up comedy. If anything, it’s profoundly American, in the spirit of America’s greatest comic critics. Think Bill Hicks, George Carlin, Dick Gregory.

What controversial topics does the film address?

It takes on whiteness and white supremacy, racial tension in America, and asks hard questions about who owns and controls mass media.

How does the film engage with media itself?

This is anti-media media—work that critiques the very system it inhabits.

Is the film meant to offend?

It’s meant to provoke thought and laughter. If you’re offended, that’s a feature, not a bug.

Distribution & Strategy

How is the film being released?

Through a guerrilla, DIY distribution strategy—independently produced, self-financed, self-released, and streamed free on YouTube.

Why release it for free?

Because the real value is impact, not gatekeeping. The goal is to reach the widest audience possible, then invite people to AZ.TV for deeper engagement.

What’s the call-to-action for viewers?

Two things: sign up at AZ.TV and subscribe to the YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@AZdotTV)

Touring & Promotion

Is there a live component to this release?

Yes. Azhar is headlining the international Human Appeal Tour—48 cities across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. (mid-October through year’s end). The tour raises funds for Gaza relief efforts. The film’s official trailer will be screened at all tour stops.

How does the tour connect to the film?

Both are about radical honesty, social critique, and serving humanity—through laughter and through charity: Love & Service.

Some Personal Tidbits

What does Azhar eat before going on stage?

Usually nothing. He prefers to perform on an empty stomach, fueled only by nerves and abject fear of God.

Does he write jokes every day?

No. He observes the world every day. The jokes write themselves.

What’s one misconception about him?

That he’s trying to be a “serious filmmaker.” He’s not. He’s a provocative artist and hilarious comedian who happens to use TV/film as a medium.

What does he hope audiences take away from this film?

That nothing is sacred but the truth—and comedy is one of the last honest spaces left in American life, and therefore, by extension, in the Global Monoculture.

Email:
[email protected]m

UK & International:
Pedro Carvalho, FNIK PR
[email protected] | +44 7831 556951

USA:

Sara Salem, Numinous Company
[email protected]