Inaugural Muslim International Film Festival set for London

Full programme announced

by Jennie Kermode

Hounds
Hounds

Running from 30 May to 2 June, the Muslim International Film Festival is a new event which aims to champion the narratives of international Muslim filmmakers and screen them alongside productions inspired by Muslim culture and faith by filmmakers from all backgrounds. it will be held in London's Leicester Square and will open with Kamal Lazaraq's Hounds (aka Les Meutes) which won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at Cannes 2023.

"We’re absolutely thrilled to bring this festival to London, where we’re on a mission to weave together cultures through the magic of cinema," said festival director Sajid Varda. "MIFF is not just a festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of cultures and stories from across the Muslim world, providing a spotlight on talented emerging and seasoned filmmakers from all corners of the globe. As we bring together the film industry and filmmakers alike, our line-up features some of the most courageous and creative minds – each one bringing their A-game to the big screen. These are stories that pack a punch, that resonate deep within, and remind us that there’s more that unites us than divides us."

Closing with Naqqash Khalid's In Camera, the festival offers Londoners a great opportunity to catch some of the past year's most highly acclaimed titles, with a strong shorts line-up including Oscar-shortlisted Afghan story Yellow.

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