Story
Bilal – a Muslim high school senior in Detroit – works long hours to keep up both his grades
and his family’s long-owned taxi stand. “The Stand” has been the family’s social and financial
hub for sixty years, and now Bilal is destined to carry the torch. Yet despite a series of setbacks
at home, Bilal secretly submits a college application and takes up ice carving in order to win a
scholarship. Now he is forced to decide whether to continue running The Stand – the only life he
has ever known – or take a chance at social mobility.
Based on a true story, Bilal’s Stand radiates warmth, humor, and originality. In depicting a
struggle that is all too common today, the film captures the emotion and authenticity on issues
rarely brought together on screen.
Characters
Bílal Mahdi
Bílal is an opinionated high school senior who does well in school. He practically runs his family’s taxi stand and thinks he has everything figured out. But as new opportunities arise for his future, Bílal realizes that the one thing he doesn’t have figured out is himself.
Ally Hoppe
Ally is a competitive over-achiever bent on maintaining her place as the “Most Likely To Succeed” in her class. Bílal is unknowingly encroaching on her territory, and Ally is determined to protect her status. She soon learns that there is more to Bílal than she assumed.
Malik “Bird” Myles Jr.
Bird is Bílal’s rebellious cousin who hangs around The Stand. He feels that putting in a hard day’s work is a worthless effort and he’d rather get things the easy way. He loves flashy and expensive clothes, and doesn’t go anywhere without his “stunner shades.”
Neicy Mahdi
Neicy is Bílal’s over-worked mother. She has two jobs and can barely find the time to stop and breathe, let alone spend time with her kids. She has struggled her entire life for everything she has and for a sense of balance for her family. Now she’s ready to fight to protect that status – even if it means battling her own children.
Keisha Thomas
Keisha is both Bílal’s best friend and his cousin Bird’s girlfriend. She’s dependable and tough, but like Bird, is addicted to flashy clothes and showing off. She feels neglected once Bílal pursues his new dreams, but is determined to stay close to her best friend.
Jamila ‘Mila’ Mahdi
Jamalia is Bílal’s annoying younger sister. She is always willing to offer a sarcastic comment and never hesitates to criticize any situation. But while Bílal figures out what his next steps with the family business are, Jamalia isn’t too far behind.
Mr. Usztices
Mr. Usztices, also known as “Mr. U,” is Bílal’s reluctant but loyal ice sculpting teacher. Even though Bílal isn’t up front about his intentions to join the carving team, Mr. U encourages him to excel. When Bílal begins to waiver, Mr. U refuses to baby him or tolerate his indecisive nature.