Founder’s Message

In recent years, Muslims have increasingly taken ownership of our narratives, telling our own stories with authenticity, nuance, and care. The New York Muslim Film Festival was created to celebrate this momentum and to provide a dedicated space where Muslim stories can be centered, honored, and shared on our own terms.

This festival is rooted in joy. We seek to uplift thoughtful, heartwarming, and life-affirming stories that reflect the richness of Muslim life, from love and humor to resilience, tenderness, and community. Through a welcoming and celebratory environment, we hope filmmakers and audiences alike feel seen, connected, and inspired.

At its core, our mission is to foster joy, dialogue, and belonging through storytelling. Muslims are a global and diverse community, shaped by countless cultures, identities, and lived experiences. There is no single Muslim story. Every Muslim story is worthy of being told, and every perspective adds to the vibrant tapestry of who we are.

Sincerely,

Nawal Mubin