The first-ever Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF) concluded on June 2 with the premiere of Naqqash Khalid’s film “In Camera.” Winners for Best Film and Best Short were announced, with a jury including industry professionals like Claudia Yusef and Leon Oteng. Ten feature films were in competition, highlighting emerging talent and diverse perspectives from the Muslim world.
Inshallah A Boy takes Best Film at MIFF
“Inshallah A Boy,” a Jordanian drama, won Best Film for its powerful portrayal of a widowed woman fighting patriarchal laws. The lack of female directors in the selection was noted, despite standout films centered on female experiences.
Women’s journeys in Muslim cinema
Other films like “Goodbye Julia” and “Yellow” highlighted the struggles faced by women in different regions. These films shed light on social issues and patriarchal norms affecting women, challenging the audience’s perspectives.
Empowering diverse voices through cinema
The festival aims to showcase the diversity of Muslim experiences and provide a platform for underrepresented voices. Filmmaker Asif Kapadia received the Trailblazer award, highlighting the importance of outsider perspectives in storytelling.
MIFF serves as an important platform for redefining the portrayal of Muslims in cinema and hopes to include more female filmmakers in its upcoming editions for a more inclusive representation of the Muslim community.
Hanna Flint is a film and TV critic, writer, and author. Follow her on Twitter.