Koran by Heart (2011): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2011, Koran by Heart is a documentary film directed by Greg Barker, running about 90 minutes.

What it’s about. In this 80-minute documentary, three 10-year-old children leave their native countries to participate in one of the Islamic world’s most famous competitions, a test of memory and recitation known as The International Holy Koran Competition. Up against much older students, these youngsters have committed the 600 pages of the Koran to memory, and will put their skills to the test before the elite of the world’s Muslim community in Cairo, Egypt. In the midst of this intense international competition, the three young competitors –two boys from Senegal and Tajikistan, and one girl from the Maldives – face uncertain futures at home, as they are caught between fundamentalist and moderate visions of Islam. The children discuss their recitation techniques – with accompanying, completely improvised melodies – and talk about their nerves and excitement as they finally compete before a panel of judges.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Koran by Heart has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV and HBO Max and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Koran by Heart page.

If you liked it. Fans of Koran by Heart tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.