- Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of PBS Wisconsin's Director's Cut.
Imagine proudly serving in the US military
like your family did before you,
but still having your patriotism questioned,
and, in some cases, even being called a terrorist.
Well see what that's like in tonight's film, Three Chaplains.
A chaplain is a member of the clergy
who provides spiritual care for people
in non-religious organizations, like the government or military.
Three Chaplains shows us what it's like
for Colonel Rafael Lantigua,
a Muslim serving in the Air Force
who young Muslims in the military
have looked up to for 20 years;
Khallid Shabazz, a Louisianian
and the highest-ranking Muslim clergyman
in the US Military;
and Saleha Jabeen,
an immigrant from India,
and the first female Muslim chaplain
in the American Armed Forces.
All three took an oath to uphold the Constitution
and they do so while also upholding a vow
to protect the right of every service member
to practice their faith freely,
regardless of religious choices.
Sadly, it doesn't matter that between them,
they've given decades of their lives serving their country,
but they still experience resistance
and, at times, outright prejudice
from other members of the military.
At times, because of the religion,
they are labeled as terrorists.
If that's not challenging enough,
they also get resistance from their own families
and are judged by their communities,
who consider them sellouts.
It's a fine line but Rafael, Khallid, and Saleha
remain steadfast in their service to their country.
Three Chaplains is directed by David Washburn.
He was inspired to make the film
after watching what he calls 'the fearlessness'
of his leading actors and their dedication to the military,
while also breaking down stereotypes
about Muslim Americans.
Washburn has been drawn to stories
about Muslims and Muslim storytellers for over 10 years.
He produced American Mosque,
which also aired on public television nationwide
and was bought by Al Jazeera.
Now, sit back and watch this trio
and their arduous fight for change,
embracing the ideas of equality and religious freedom
while defending the Constitution.
Good soldiers!
Three Chaplains starts now on PBS Wisconsin,
your home for independent film.