"Every Muslim story is worthy of being told."
New York is set to host its first-ever Muslim film festival, with the New York Muslim Film Festival launching on October 11, 2026, at Manhattan’s SVA Theatre.
The festival positions itself as a dedicated platform for emerging Muslim artists whose voices deserve far greater visibility in mainstream cinema.
Co-founder Nawal Mubin described the spirit behind the initiative in terms that are both simple and deeply meaningful for its intended audience.
She said: “This festival is rooted in joy.”
Mubin is a New York-based director and producer currently working as an associate producer at Lost in Space, a boutique production and post-production company.
She further elaborated on the mission driving the festival and the vision she and her co-founder hope to realise through the platform.
She said: “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.”
She also spoke about the kinds of stories the festival ultimately hopes to champion and celebrate through its programming and community.
She said: “We seek to uplift thoughtful, heartwarming, and life-affirming stories that reflect the richness of Muslim life, from love and humour to resilience, tenderness, and community.
“Through a welcoming and celebratory environment, we hope filmmakers and audiences alike feel seen, connected, and inspired.”
Mubin co-founded the event with Giuseppe de Matteis.
Matteis is a New York-based filmmaker and post-production professional who serves as media manager and lead assistant editor at Lost in Space.
The one-day event will screen twelve short films spanning documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental works across two hour-long programming blocks.
The programme begins with a reception for filmmakers and industry guests before moving into the screenings and awards and jury announcement.
The six-member jury includes Emmy winner Aasif Mandvi, best known for The Daily Show.
Producer Abubakar Khan, whose credits include The Glassworker, Pakistan’s 2025 Oscar submission, is also among the jury members.
The twelve films selected for the festival represent a genuinely diverse and international range of stories, perspectives and filmmaking styles.
For a city as culturally significant as New York, the arrival of its first Muslim film festival marks a long-overdue cultural milestone.
