A new film festival in New York is giving Muslim filmmakers a platform to tell stories on their own terms, challenging the stereotypes often attached to Muslim communities in Western media.
According to Variety, The New York Muslim Film Festival (NYMFF), launching on 11 October at Manhattan’s SVA Theatre, will screen 12 short films from seven countries.
The programme includes documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental works, with women directing most of the selections.
Artistic director Hassan Babar said Muslim stories should not exist simply as alternatives to dominant narratives but should help shape the conversation themselves. Co-founder and director Nawal Mubin said the festival was created because such stories “deserve a stage in this city”.
The one-day event will feature two screening blocks, followed by an awards ceremony and jury announcement. The six-member jury includes Emmy winner Aasif Mandvi, filmmaker Darine Hotait, Watermelon Pictures executive Munir Atalla, producer Abubakar Khan, filmmaker Sarah Mokh and actor Abubakr Ali.
Watermelon+ is also sponsoring the Discovery Award, whose winner will receive a limited exclusive streaming licence.
