It’s been a while since I sat down to write about an event, but yesterday was too special not to document.
On October 11th, despite the dreary, rainy NYC weather outside, I spent the day tucked away inside the SVA Theatre for the very first New York Muslim Film Festival. And honestly, there was nowhere else I would have rather been.
The festival brought 12 stories representing 10 different countries to the big screen. Each director brought a unique lens to the table some through documentaries, others through animation, and many through deeply personal, relatable narratives about family dynamics, quiet hopes, and big dreams.
Highlights from the Screen
A few films, in particular, left a lasting mark on me:
- “Henna” was pure poetry on screen. The cinematography captured stunning angles of the art of henna the intricate line work drawn on hands and the poetic metaphor of how it slowly fades with every wash.
- “Ghusl” served as a delicate, touching reminder of how fleeting life is, and how precious our time with our parents truly is.
- “The Boy with the Dinosaur Mask” (My Personal Favorite): This film was brilliant in its creativity and emotional depth. It used the metaphor of dinosaurs creatures that no longer exist to illustrate the reality faced by children in conflict zones who are bombed, displaced, and losing their families. The boy in the dinosaur mask depicted the quiet, painful realization of being the last remaining one of his kind. As someone who appreciates psychology, I loved how the film highlighted art as a tool for children to process trauma, and the patience of the adult who made sure the boy felt truly seen and heard.
To be honest, I was emotional through so much of the lineup. I even joked with Nawal afterward that she definitely should have included a pack of tissues in the swag bags! That’s the beauty of short films: in just a few minutes, they can touch your heart and connect you to experiences you’ve never personally lived through.
The Power of Showing Up for Community
Beyond the art itself, this gathering was a powerful reminder of what happens when we show up for ourselves and each other.
A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Nawal, her husband Giuseppe, and their wonderful team for putting together such an incredible inaugural event. I’m wishing them endless success in everything to come, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year, Insha’Allah!
Hosneara Begum
Co-Founder and Journalist
Kufi Productions
