Rifelion is partnering with The Mosquers Film Festival for the second year in a row to support Muslim screenwriters.

Individuals or teams will be required to submit a one-page synopsis of their short film idea and a 8-12 page script.

The scripts must feature Muslim characters and must be sci-fi, horror or fantasy-themed.

Select finalists will be required to submit an updated 8-12 page short film script and a 5-10 page pitch deck which they will present live at The Mosquers Film Festival in Edmonton, Alberta on September 21, 2024.

$1,000 in prizes will be awarded.

Deadline to apply is July 24, 2024. APPLY HERE.

The Pitch is sponsored by Rifelion Media, The Mosquers Film Festival, and the RASA Film Group.

Overview:

• Pitch competition for the best short film idea, one-pager, script, and presentation.

• Individuals and teams are encouraged to apply. Individuals cannot be a part of more than one team.

• Writer and director teams are encouraged to apply and will be given preference. Both the writer and director must be Muslim and can’t be the same person.

• A co-writer or co-director who is not Muslim is allowed.

• Scripts can be any topic or subject matter, but must sci-fi, horror, or fantasy films.

• Must feature Muslim characters.

• Open to anyone around the world. If selected as a finalist, one person from the team must be present to pitch live at The Mosquers Film Festival on September 21, 2024.

• No use of existing characters, logos, brands, etc.

• No previously produced or written material or adaptations.

Instructions and Process:

1. Individuals or teams must submit a one-page synopsis of their idea and a draft script (partial or finished) using the application form by July 24, 2024.

2. Up to 15 Semi-Finalists will be selected on a rolling basis. Semi-Finalists will be selected based on their originality, core message, producibility, and team.

3. Semi-Finalists will be required to do an live, online pitch (5-10 page pitch deck) to judges during the week of August 5, 2024. Each pitch will be 5 minutes followed by up to 10 minutes of questions.

4. Six finalists will be announced on August 20, 2024.

5. Finalists will be able to resubmit their 8-12 page script and a 5-10 page pitch deck by September 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm PT.

6. Finalists must sent at least one member of your team to The Mosquers Film Festival to pitch your movie live in front of on September 21, 2024 (All Finalists are invited to attend the Festival for free).

7. Each pitch will be in front of the full festival audience (including the judges). Pitches must not be more than 5 minutes long.

8. Winners will be announced at the end of the day.

Prizes:

• Top team wins $500 USD and chance to have their film produced by Rifelion Media.

• Second Place wins $250 USD

• Audience Award wins $250 USD

• Judges will base prizes on originality, pitch, core message, producibility, dialogue, character development, and team.

Deadlines:

• June 24, 2024: Applications Open (Apply here)

• July 24, 2024: Applications Close

• August 1- August 9, 2024: Semi-finalists pitches online.

• August 20, 2024: Top 6 Finalists announced

• September 18, 2024: Finalists submit final script and pitch deck

• September 20-22, 2024: The Mosquers Film Festival

• September 21, 2024: Finalists Live Pitch @ The Mosquers Film Festival

Application:

• Apply Here

• Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to change anything.

• Learn more during one of our three information sessions:

  • July 1 @ 6pm ET/3pm PT - Register Here

  • July 2 @ 12pm ET/9am PT - Register Here

  • July 15 @ 3pm ET/12pm PT - Register Here

Today, Immigrantly Media launched their new limited-run podcast series, Nationly. 

Nationly, co-hosted by J.D. Ramirez and Sara Sadhwani, will discuss the “Why?” behind political issues that really matter to minority communities—immigrants and communities of color—specifically in the battleground states at the heart of this year’s election season. Focusing on minority communities—specifically, immigrants and communities of color—'Nationly' uncovers the issues that truly matter to these voters, ranging from global events like the situation in Gaza to local races such as the showdown between Kari Lake v. Ruben Gallego. 

Listen to the first episode here.

The podcast asks: Who's spearheading the uncommitted movement in Michigan? What key issues are driving Latino support in Arizona? Why is Gen Z stepping up to run for office in Georgia? Delving into the "why" behind political issues, each episode explores key defining moments in the lives of these voters, providing a comprehensive view of America's political spectrum and the diverse voices shaping it.

Meet the hosts of Nationly:

Juan Diego Ramirez (he/him; @juandr47) is a multimedia bilingual journalist. Having lived as an undocumented immigrant for over 20 years, Juan Diego has focused on telling stories from communities that reflect his life experiences. Juan Diego is reporting on the rise in unaccompanied migrant child cases in immigration courts and the effects of the system's delays on their proceedings. He also covers corruption at the highest levels of the Mexican government. His works include the 2023 Webby Award winner podcast, Idolo; The Ballad of Chalino Sanchez, USA v. Garcia Luna, and the NAACP Award-nominated podcast, The Sum of Us. He also produced and co-hosted Racist Sandwich, a James Beard Foundation-nominated podcast on food, class, race, and gender Sara Sadhwani (she/her; @sarasadhwani) is an assistant professor of politics at Pomona College, a Democracy Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. She is working on her first book, which examines voting rights and representation for communities of color in the multiracial era.The project offers a reflection of her service on the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. Her research examines elections, representation, and public opinion with a focus on Asian American and Latino voting behavior. She has published widely in academic journals and her analysis of elections and politics has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, Politico, Washington Post, NPR, The Guardian, and TIME Magazine, and she regularly provides political commentary for news outlets throughout California.

J.D. Ramirez shares, “I’m thrilled to be co-hosting Immigrantly's newest podcast, Nationly, where we will talking about issues that impact minority communities across the country during this election year.” 

Nationly is brought to you by Immigrantly Media, creators of the Immigrantly podcast, Invisible Hate, and Banterly. 

Nationly is produced by Saadia Khan and Shei Yu. Scripted by Andrea Flores, Nicholas Black, and Daniella Tello-Garzen. Audio editing and sound design is by Steve Martin. Theme music by Simon Hutchinson; other music by Epidemic Sound.

Episodes of Nationly will be released weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast distribution platforms.

Listen to the Nationly trailer here. 

About Immigrantly Media

Immigrantly Media is a forward-thinking media company that specializes in authentic and unvarnished storytelling to redefine the immigrant narrative. Immigrantly currently comprises three podcasts including its flagship podcast, Immigrantly, an investigative true crime podcast, Invisible Hate (in collaboration with Rifelion Media), and a Gen Z-focused pop culture podcast, Banterly. In addition to Nationly, two more Immigrantly Media podcasts are currently in development and set to launch in 2024.

Learn more at immigrantlypod.com and connect with us on Instagram (@immigrantlypod), Twitter (@immigrantly_pod), TikTok (@immigrantlypodcast), and Youtube @immigrantlymedia

Brooklyn-based director and writer Angbeen Saleem is in post production for her directorial-debut short film called Billo Rani. The film is a hybrid live-action and animated short that explores a South Asian Muslim girl and her conversations with her talking unibrow. The team behind Billo Rani is currently raising funds via Seed & Spark for finish the film. We caught up with Angbeen to learn more about film.

Fann: Tell me the idea about Billo Rani? Where did it come from?

Angbeen: Billo Rani is about a young girl named Hafsa whose unibrow comes to life as two aunties after her Islamic school teacher points it out in front of the entire class. This story stems from a personal experience I had in Islamic school in South Jersey, where a teacher highlighted my unibrow in front of everyone, saying it made me look more masculine. I was mortified, although I'm not sure if anyone else in the class remembers it. I had several experiences related to body hair and appearance growing up that influenced my obsession with gender norms, beauty standards, and autonomy. One day, I realized that a unibrow resembles a line drawing of a bird, and I started imagining different ways it could come to life, which inspired the idea of the aunties.

Why are you doing this?

We are crowdfunding to raise money for the post-production of the film, which includes animation (the aunties will be animated), music, color correction, and sound design. We have already finished filming and will be premiering at the Tasveer Film Festival in October, thanks to funding from the Tasveer Film Fund. We're on a tight deadline to complete the film, especially considering the labor-intensive nature of animation, but I believe we can achieve it!

Why are stories like this important?

I often think about how tragic stories are considered more realistic, yet life is filled with a range of emotions and experiences, from anger and fear to joy and whimsy. It was important to me to create a story about South Asian Muslim characters that felt realistic (as realistic as a talking unibrow can be) while also being joyful and humorous. This story showcases a sweet relationship between a South Asian Muslim father and daughter, a dynamic rarely depicted on screen. Additionally, the film reimagines the stereotypical "aunty" character, making her more expansive than just a meddling old woman.

Why should people support?

People should support this film if they want to see more stories by South Asian Muslim women and working-class individuals who didn't have the opportunity to attend film school. If they enjoy bubbly, whimsical films about diverse characters that are still grounded in reality, this film is for them.

Why is humor in storytelling so important?

Humor in storytelling is incredibly important because it's a significant part of our lives! A deep laugh can connect us, alleviate feelings of anxiety, and help us feel in tune with the world again.

You can support Billo Rani by giving to its Seed & Spark campaign here.

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Ramadan America, the first-of-its-kind, film anthology written by, directed by, and starring America Muslims released its first trailer recently.

Check it out.

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“Ramadan America” — Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims — just landed its first watch party at The Muslim House in Austin on March 9.

The feature-length “Ramadan America” comprises five narrative short films written by American Muslim writers, featuring stories about the holidays Ramadan and Eid.

The film will debut at the festival’s Muslim House, a recurring event that provides dedicated space for American Muslim voices at prestigious festivals. The Muslim House was established by the The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau in 2021 to carve out a space for vital discussions that hold significance for American Muslim communities. During the recent Muslim House at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the Doris Duke Foundation provided the MPAC Hollywood Bureau with $1.425 million in funding to continue providing festival activations and convenings like The Muslim House.

In addition to the MPAC Hollywood Bureau, the film's debut will be supported by the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF), who partnered with Rifelion Media to acquire the scripts for "Ramadan America."

Prior to the “Ramadan America” watch party, there will be a pre-Ramadan dinner and a fireside chat with the Muslim filmmakers behind “The Queen of My Dreams” (2023). For a complete list of the 2024 SXSW Muslim House programming, click here.

The watch party will be followed by a Q&A panel with a selection of the film’s writers and directors, moderated by ISF film program director Iman Zawahry and “Ramadan America” executive producer Asad Butt. Some of the featured panelists include Halimah Iman, Kausar Mohammed and Wahab Shayek.

“Having a watch party at The Muslim House has always been our dream,” Butt said in a statement. “There’s no better way to debut our film than to an audience of Muslim filmmakers and allies at The Muslim House. We’re so excited to share ‘Ramadan America’ with the world.”

“Ramadan America” will screen on March 9, 2024, at 6 p.m. CT at Austin's Hideout Theatre. Catch the screening by registering for the The Muslim House at the link below.

Register for Austin's 2024 Muslim House

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Fawzia Mirza (she/they) is a queer, South Asian Muslim writer and director. Her directorial feature debut “The Queen of My Dreams” (2023) — shot in Canada and Pakistan — world premiered at TIFF 2023, was nominated for the Jean-Marc Vallée DGC Discovery Award and named to Canada’s Top Ten 2023. It had its international premiere at the BFI London Film Festival and was nominated for the Sutherland First Feature Award. “The Queen of My Dreams” was in TIFF’s 2020 Writer Studio and Filmmaker Lab and stars Amrit Kaur ("The Sex Lives of College Girls"), Nimra Bucha ("Ms. Marvel", "Polite Society"), Hamza Haq ("Transplant"), and Ayana Manji ("Mustache"). Bio adapted from Mirza’s website.

Fann sat down with Mirza to ask them about “The Queen of My Dreams” and the film’s upcoming U.S. premiere at SXSW.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

Fann Staff: Where did the film's title come from?

“The Queen of My Dreams” was the name of my first short film I made that world premiered in 2012. It is inspired by the famous song "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" from the 1969 Indian film “Aradhana.”

Fann Staff: What is it like to have your film premiere at both TIFF and SXSW?

Fawzia Mirza: We have been on, Alhamdulillah, an incredible journey — world premiering at TIFF, then the BFI London Film Festival, and now SXSW for its U.S. premiere. Every festival has felt like the perfect fit, the perfect launchpad, the perfect audience. We feel blessed to share a movie centering Muslim love.

Fann Staff: This was based on a short you made more than 10 years ago. What has that journey been like?

Fawzia Mirza: I made that short film before I even knew I was a filmmaker. And it took my filmmaker friend Ryan Logan telling me he thought we could turn the footage I had shot, which I intended to be part of an art installation, into a movie. Making that movie — sharing that movie — was life-changing. Art most definitely saved my life. Since then, it has been a journey of self-discovery through art. I've made short films, short series and another feature, and moved from Chicago to Los Angeles to write for television. I went from being a lawyer to an actor to a writer to now a writer/director. I met my wife through film. The journey has been incredible.

Fann Staff: What does it mean to you that the reception from all communities (ie: Muslim, queer, Pakistani, American) has been overwhelmingly positive?

Fawzia Mirza: Making a movie is a miracle. 

When you put your whole heart into something, and that love is met, it's a blessing.

Fann Staff: What was it like working with Amrit, Nimra and Hamza? 

Fawzia Mirza: I love all three of these actors — they are all very different and have extremely different strengths that they bring to set and to the work each day. The thing they share is that they are all deeply committed and unwavering in that commitment. Amrit playing two characters — she never flinched, it never threw her off. She reveled in the challenges. Hamza felt like he was born to be in the 60s. And Nimra, she makes a depth of emotion look easy. 

Fann Staff: Any lessons learned from this process you want to share with aspiring filmmakers?

Fawzia Mirza: Stay patient. Stay grounded. Stay focused. The road is long and circuitous, and is different for everything. Be kind to everyone. Center your values over your ego. 

 “The Queen of My Dreams” (2023) will have its U.S. premiere at SXSW on March 9, 2024.

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Leading up to and throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting the filmmaking process for “Ramadan America,” Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims. Our series on “Ramadan America” will include interviews with the cast and crew — many of whom are Muslim American — who brought the film to life.

Ali Shayek is an actor and photographer. This is his first role.

Shayek plays Wali in the “Ramadan America” short “Playmates”.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

Fann Staff: Tell us about yourself. What do you do for fun when you're not acting?

Ali Shayek: I’m from San Jose, California. [I like to try new foods and] San Jose is a big city that has such a wide array of food options it is hard to settle on one restaurant. There have been many days where I just ended up eating at home because I couldn’t decide.

For fun I like to read, watch movies and I do a little bit of photography. 

Fann Staff: Did you fall into acting or was it always a passionate pursuit for you?

Ali Shayek: I fell into acting; it was something that I had the opportunity to try and I absolutely loved it.

I realized I was an actor when I walked on my first set. It was such a surreal experience. I was excited, though very nervous. By the end of it, I realized how much fun it was.

This was my first role, but definitely not my last.

Fann Staff: Do you have an idol in the world of theater, film or television?

Ali Shayek: My biggest inspiration would be Riz Ahmed. He’s an amazing actor with an impressive filmography. But most of all, he talks [about] Muslim representation in films and TV and how it is not always done with respect. He tries to change that through his films.

Fann Staff: Why were you interested in the “Ramadan America” short in which you featured?

Ali Shayek: [“Playmates”] was the [short] that felt most like the Eid parties I grew up going to. I also thought the script was super well written and the jokes were witty.

Fann Staff: How did it feel to work on a set mostly made up of Muslim Americans?

Ali Shayek: It was very refreshing to work with other Muslims Americans. A lot of the films releasing lack Muslim representation. I am very happy to be a part of a project that represents Muslims in a respectful way.

Fann Staff: What makes “Playmates” worth watching? How about “Ramadan America” as a whole?

Ali Shayek: “Playmates” is worth watching because it captures Eid in a very authentic way.

“Ramadan America” as a whole is worth watching because it is exciting to see how all of the shorts work together.

You can follow Ali Shayek on his Instagram.

There will be a “Ramadan America” watch party March 9 at the 2024 Austin Muslim House.

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“Fatima Tate Takes the Cake” by debut author Khadijah VanBrakle was recently named a finalist for the NAACP Image Awards in outstanding literature for youth and teens. The winners will be revealed during a two–hour live TV special on Saturday, March 16, 2024, airing on both BET and CBS.

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VanBrakle’s book, a YA contemporary novel, is notable for tackling underrepresented social issues within Muslim communities. The book follows 17-year-old aspiring baker Fatima who thinks her dreams have come true when her parents serendipitously arrange a marriage to her secret boyfriend, a charming college boy. But once a ring is on Fatima’s finger, her fiance’s charm twists into manipulation and control. And when Fatima tries to leave, her fiance threatens to reveal their premarital relationship to their whole community, leaving Fatima to own her body, her choice and her future.

“Fatima Tate Takes the Cake” has been described as “a powerful coming-of-age story that gives a much-needed voice to young Black Muslim women.”

Read the summary of “Fatima Tate Takes the Cake” from the publisher Penguin Random House’s website:

Seventeen-year-old Fatima Tate, aspiring baker (100% against her conservative parents’ wishes), leads a pretty normal life in Albuquerque: long drives with BFF Zaynab, weekly services at the mosque, big family parties, soup kitchen volunteering (the best way to perfect her flaky dough recipe!), stressing about college.

But everything changes when she meets a charming university student named Raheem. Knowing the ‘rents would freak, Fatima keeps their burgeoning relationship a secret … and then, one day, her parents and his parents decide to arrange their marriage. Amazing! True serendipity!

Except it’s not amazing. As soon as the ring is on Fatima’s finger, Raheem’s charm transforms into control and manipulation. Fatima knows she has to call the whole thing off, but Raheem doesn’t like to lose. He threatens to reveal their premarital sexual history and destroy her and her family’s reputation in their tight-knit Muslim community.

Fatima must find the inner strength to blaze her own trail by owning her body, her choices, and her future. Combining the frank authenticity of Elizabeth Acevedo and the complex social dynamics of Ibi Zoboi, “Fatima Tate Takes the Cake” is a powerful coming-of-age story that gives a much-needed voice to young Black Muslim women.

Also nominated for an award in the same category is “Everyone's Thinking It” by debut author Aleema Omotoni. “Everyone’s Thinking It” tells the story of two Nigerian cousins who must reckon with life in very different ways at their predominantly white private school in England. This compelling exploration of the high price of fitting in, which has been compared favorably to “Mean Girls” (2004), was praised heavily at the time of its publication.

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Both “Fatima Tate Takes the Cake” and “Everyone’s Thinking It” are on sale now. The winners of the 55th NAACP Image Awards will be revealed on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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There aren’t many spaces dedicated to Islamic Art across New York City’s five boroughs. A quick Google search will lead you straight to the Metropolitan’s Islamic Art section, which I visited and reviewed last month. The second search result takes you to the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art (IAIA).

I visited IAIA on a cold day in early February, taking the L train from Brooklyn to Manhattan and walking downtown from the 14th Street and Seventh Avenue subway stop, passing the stomping grounds of many different past Sheherzads as I made my way towards Christopher Street. Christopher Street and the surrounding West Village comprises an area that boasts many queer historical landmarks, from the Stonewall Inn to Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from “Sex and the City” (1998–2004).

IAIA is tucked into a nondescript building just off Gay Street. The front of the space is home to a shop with beautiful, Islam-inflected textiles, art books and other goods. The intimate gallery in the back is currently home to a show titled "Six Landscapes," which has recently been extended through April.

Curated by Mohammed Rashid Al-Thani, “Six Landscapes” features six paintings, as well as a small collection of prints and drawings, by Lebanese American artist Daniele Genadry and American artist Matt Saunders; Saunders is the first non-Muslim, non-Arab to have art featured at IAIA. The exhibition seeks to interrogate how the use of film and photography “further evolve the field of painting,” as both Genadry and Saunders “conjure their own histories” by drawing inspiration from photographs or memories of a location.

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Genadry’s paintings are gorgeous pastel-colored treats, using incredibly meticulous pointillism to create larger images. She paints both from photography as well as her own memory, using pointillism to reflect how images and light are ever-evolving, demanding her viewers to change how they look at her paintings and experience time in order to fully grasp the images she wishes to convey. I found Genadry’s use of color and texture delightful, almost fizzing off the canvases. They bring to mind the early Madonna song “Dear Jessie,” which boasts the lyrics “pink elephants and lemonade;” they present what I feel to be an almost utopian view of endless mountainous peaks.

Standing in direct opposition to Genadry’s pieces, Saunders’ works are much darker in appearance. Saunders mostly paints from moving imagery, in the hopes of interrogating the way images “take on new meanings by reassessment of their traditional iconography” depending on how they exist throughout history. Interestingly, Saunders paints on linen and shines light through it in order to create what he calls an “exposure” onto photo paper. The results are stunning, complex images evocative of deep, dark woods. The paintings have an almost hypnotic quality to them, sucking in viewers.

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Both Genadry’s and Saunders’ pieces seek to understand the relationship between photography and painting, and IAIA attempts to “examine the profound impact a subtle change can have on a singular image.” I would argue that IAIA does a great job of doing just that, presenting two very different artists’ works and what results when each interrogates what happens as they work in painting, photography and videography.

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Leading up to and throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting the filmmaking process for “Ramadan America,” Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims.

The next of the short films featured in “Ramadan America” is called “The Eid Gift,” which follows a husband and father as he struggles to find the perfect way to celebrate Eid for his wife and daughter.

Moneer Yaqubi stars as Khalid Ahmed, a successful small business owner, father to Amira and husband to Fatima. Khalid is experiencing a recent grief that is manifesting as a crisis of faith. His memories of the loved one he’s grieving are closely tied to memories of Eid and going to the Masjid. He strives to hide this emotional baggage from his family and is just barely keeping it all together. 

Jenna Bosco plays Fatima, Khalid’s wife and Amira’s mother. She acts as a support system for Khalid, helping him work through his grief.

Solyana Girum plays Amira, Khalid and Fatima’s pre-teen daughter. Amira is a daddy’s girl, but that doesn’t stop her from being involved in her local community Eid celebrations.

The film also features Zain Ahmad, Saada Alkaabi, Frankie Atallah, Rhym Guisse, Conrad Hurtt, Sufyan Mahmud, Meena Pauley and Asim Rashad.

“The Eid Gift” was written by Halimah Iman ("Ouside of Me," "Sam and Diane") for the inaugural Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) x Rifelion Writers Access Initiative. The initiative was created to support up-and-coming American Muslim writers.

The film was directed by Jumai Yusuf ("Wildflower," "Azrael").

There will be a “Ramadan America” watch party March 9 at the 2024 Austin Muslim House.

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Leading up to and throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting the filmmaking process for “Ramadan America,” Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims. Our series on “Ramadan America” will include interviews with the cast and crew — many of whom are Muslim American — who brought the film to life.

Anwar Molani is a doctor by day and actor by night. He is known for "Abu" (2018), "Unfair & Ugly" (2018) and "First Gens."

Molani plays Dad, Soniya and Yasmeen’s family patriarch, in the “Ramadan America” short “In The Meantime.”

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

Fann Staff: Tell us about yourself.

Anwar Molani: I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, in a business family. Currently, I live in Los Angeles. I am a fulltime working physician — a pathologist, to be precise. I write short stories, poetry, scripts, and of course, [I am an actor]. I am an avid golfer, tennis player and a gym rat (but you can’t judge that by my physique).

Fann Staff: Did you fall into acting or was it always a passionate pursuit for you?

Anwar Molani: I was always interested in acting. I wrote, directed and performed my first play at school when I was in fourth grade. I quit acting due to my commitment to med school, but restarted after my last child went to college in 2016. 

Fann Staff: Do you have an idol in the world of theater, film or television?

Anwar Molani: Most people might not not know the names of Pakistani actors, but my idol was the late Munawar Zarif.

Fann Staff: Why were you interested in “Ramadan America”?

Anwar Molani: I am a Muslim American and I am always interested in taking a part in portraying Muslim culture, whether it is my writing or acting.

Fann Staff: How did it feel to work on a set mostly made up of Muslim Americans?

Anwar Molani: It was wonderful. I didn't have to make sure that there was no pork in the food.

Fann Staff: What makes “Ramadan America” worth watching?

Anwar Molani: Ramadan is a very special month for all the Muslims across the world. Portraying the family struggles of a Muslim family in the background of Ramadan and Eid was special and shows how significant it is for all Muslims. [I think that] it will draw a parallel with all the Christmas movies most audiences are familiar with.

Portraying the family struggles of a Muslim family in the background of Ramadan and Eid was special and shows how significant it is for all Muslims.

Fann Staff: Do you have a favorite Ramadan or Eid memory of your own?

Anwar Molani: I ended up in rural Louisiana to practice medicine in an underserved area to obtain my green card. [We ended up organizing] an open house for all the community to come and celebrate Eid with us and observe all the Muslims praying and having fun; it was very special. Many people came to me and told me that it changed their perspective about all the Muslims in the U.S.

Fann Staff: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Anwar Molani: We should make more movies in the background of all the Muslim festivals and our beliefs. It will show the world that we are normal people with the same problems and issues that everyone else has.

You can follow Anwar Molani on Instagram.

There will be a “Ramadan America” watch party March 9 at the 2024 Austin Muslim House.

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In a recent interview on the podcast “American Muslim Project,” filmmakers Samia Khan and Akram Shibly discuss their experience attending the 2024 Sundance Film Festival as part of the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF)’s cohort.

For Shibly and Khan, Sundance wasn't just a film festival; it was a transformative journey that intertwined professional growth with spiritual nourishment. Both discussed how enriching it was to be in a curated cohort of Muslim storytellers and filmmakers.

Early in the podcast, Shibly reminisced about his first encounter with Sundance five years ago as a graduate student, exploring the festival's offerings independently. However, his recent visit with ISF, the Doris Duke Foundation and the Sundance Institute was a curated experience that he says felt tailor-made for him. The real magic, he notes, lay in the connections forged within the cohort of Muslim storytellers and filmmakers — a supportive community navigating the complexities of today's world through their art.

Khan echoed Shibly’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of vulnerability in the creative process. She emphasized the importance of embracing one's multiple identities and delving into the depths of storytelling with conviction and authenticity.

The two filmmakers said that their days at Sundance were filled with intimate conversations, film screenings and reflections on the intersectionality of their identities as Muslim filmmakers. 

But Shibly and Khan also noted that their experiences at Sundance weren't just confined to the screening rooms. Their cohort found solace and inspiration in affinity houses like the festival’s Muslim House and South Asia House, where they engaged in discussions about creating infrastructure to support diverse narratives and amplify marginalized voices in the film industry.

Both Shibly and Khan shared the premises of their upcoming films. Shibly’s documentary focuses on the journey of a mosque member who led a citywide campaign for a mother's freedom after she was unjustly incarcerated, while Khan’s film delves into her personal experience with her father's involvement in a major financial scandal. Both projects aim to shed light on important societal issues and showcase Muslim narratives on a global stage.

As their conversation drew to a close, it's evident that Shibly and Khan’s time at Sundance was more than just a professional milestone — it was a reaffirmation of their purpose as storytellers. Through their films, both filmmakers aim to challenge stereotypes, amplify marginalized voices and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable film industry.

Listen to the full interview with Shibly and Khan on “American Muslim Project” below or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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All across America, thousands of hate crimes are committed every year, but only a small number of them get reported. An even smaller fraction are ever prosecuted. The podcast “Invisible Hate” is here to figure out why.

“Invisible Hate” is a true crime podcast about underreported hate crimes. Cohosted by Saadia Khan (“Immigrantly”) and Asad Butt ("American Muslim Project"), the podcast sheds light on the worst true crimes that are motivated by things like race, religion or sexual orientation and are usually perpetrated against minorities.

Each week, the two hosts share the details of a crime committed in North America along with a debate about how to classify it, as well as little-known facts about hate crimes, a discussion about why these crimes are underreported (and why it matters) and personal anecdotes.

On this week’s episode, Khan and Butt share the story of a young Black man named Michael Griffith. Griffith was killed on December 20, 1986, at the young age of 23-years-old. The crime took place in Howard Beach in Queens, New York City, after Griffith was chased by a group of white youths. While running away, Griffith fled onto a highway where he was fatally struck by a passing motorist. Khan and Butt pay tribute to Griffith by sharing his full story.

“Invisible Hate” is a collaboration between Rifelion Media and Immigrantly.

New episodes of “Invisible Hate” release every Thursday. Listen to the latest episode, titled “A Killing in Howard Beach,” below or catch up wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Leading up to and throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting the filmmaking process for “Ramadan America,” Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims.

The first of the short films featured in “Ramadan America” is called “Nani's Biryani,” which follows a young Muslim American boy named Zubair who will do anything to stand out, especially if it means fitting in. During Ramadan, Zubair attempts to connect with his culture through food content on social media ... he ultimately ends up getting schooled by his grandmother on how to prepare a traditional dish. The film is ultimately about self-love and embracing our differences.

Aariq Manji stars as Zubair Khan, a Muslim American preteen who is a little geeky, yet confident and charming. Zubair will do anything to stand out from everything that makes him South Asian American in order to fit in with his friends. When he sets his mind to something, he is determined and isn't afraid of doing things a little differently.

Manji is joined in the cast by his father, the Canadian actor Rizwan Manji who is best known for his performances on “Schitt’s Creek” (2015 – 2020) and “The Magicians” (2015 – 2020). Rizwan Manji plays his son’s on-screen dad, Samir Khan. Samir likes to joke and make light of things. He is really proud of Zubair and ready to help when he needs it. Ultimately, he knows Zubair will figure things out because he is raising a good son.

Saman Hasan plays Ayesha, Samir’s wife and Zubair’s mother. The counterbalance to Samir, Ayesha takes things a little more seriously. Like her husband, she is equally proud of Zubair and ready to help, but Zubair rarely asks her, which makes her a little sad.

Finally, the titular Nani is played by Saima Huq. Nani is Ayesha's mother and she has seen it all. Having raised children and now seeing her grandchildren grow, she is not worried about anything — especially not biryani. Nani is always in Zubair's corner and will show up whenever he calls, because that's what Nanis are for.

“Nani's Biryani” was written by Faroukh Virani ("Vimana," "Sameer and the Giant Samosa") and Jeff Chanley ("Present Trauma," "Mystery Meet") for the inaugural Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) x Rifelion Writers Access Initiative. The initiative was created to support up-and-coming American Muslim writers.

The film was directed by Huriyyah Muhammad ("Chocolate with Sprinkles," "Wonders").

There will be a “Ramadan America” watch party March 9 at the 2024 Austin Muslim House.

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Children’s author Zanib Mian just released the second book in her popular series “Meet the Maliks - Twin Detectives”. The series follows Maysa and Musa Malik, two twins who are total opposites. The twins often have to team up to solve a mystery, putting aside their differences to work together. The book’s illustrations were done by Kyan Cheng.

“Meet the Maliks – Twin Detectives: Race to the Rescue” is the latest book in the series, following “The Cookie Culprit”. The first book in the series follows Maysa, who struggles to match up to the seemingly perfect Musa. This leads Maysa to attempt to win her parents' approval by entering her mosque's cookie eating competition. When the cookies are sabotaged, it's up to Maysa, Musa and their friend Norman to uncover the culprit and restore Maysa's reputation.

Read on to see the description of “Meet the Maliks – Twin Detectives: Race to the Rescue” from publisher HarperCollins:

Meet Maysa and Musa Malik. They might be twins but they are total opposites. And together they make an unstoppable team, especially when trying to solve a mystery!

Maysa Malik has got herself into trouble yet again and this time she’s forgotten to post her dad’s passport application before his super important work trip.

Then Imam Abdullah goes missing, and Maysa and her twin brother Musa have a new mystery to solve with the help of their neighbor, Norman, of course. But, as they search for clues around the neighborhood, Maysa will have to find a way to save her dad’s trip too!

Infectiously funny, and full of her trademark warmth, “Meet the Maliks” is the brilliant detective series from Zanib Mian, author of “Planet Omar”. Perfect for fans of Tom Gates.

Zanib Mian was a science teacher before launching a small independent publisher, Muslim Children's Books. Passionate about representation in children's publishing, she is on the panel of judges for the prestigious Young Muslim Writers Awards.

“Meet the Maliks – Twin Detectives: Race to the Rescue” is on sale now. Find your copy at the link below.

Get your own copy of “Meet the Maliks – Twin Detectives: Race to the Rescue”

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Rifelion’s flagship podcast, “American Muslim Project,” has released a new episode that focuses on the important issues facing the American Muslim community today. The show, which focuses on the Muslims who are shaping America, continually brings new segments and focus to the show to emphasize the news and culture American Muslims are immersed in every day.

In this week’s episode, host Asad Butt announces a watch party of Rifelion’s upcoming movie “Ramadan America” at the Muslim House in Austin on March 9, 2024.

Later, Butt interviews Samia Khan and Akram Shibly, two filmmakers from the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s cohort attending the Sundance Film Festival. Khan and Shibly are currently working on documentary projects and were recent participants in an artist support program at Sundance. Along with the host, Khan and Shibly chat about the supportive and collaborative atmosphere within the Muslim creative community, their experiences at Sundance and the exceptional projects they are working on, which connect personal narratives to global themes.

In 2020, Asad Butt launched Rifelion Media to help elevate diverse voices, with “American Muslim Project” as the company’s first production. Butt is also a startup advisor and investor, primarily working with pet care and education founders, as well as accelerator programs. Prior to his work in the startup industry, Butt worked in broadcast television and video production. In 2004, he helped launch Bridges TV, the first American Muslim lifestyle network, serving as its first news director, producer and anchor.

New episodes of “American Muslim Project” release every Thursday. Listen to the latest episode — “Muslim Filmmakers on Sundance” — below, or catch up wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Leading up to and throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting the filmmaking process for “Ramadan America”, Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims. Our series on “Ramadan America” will include interviews with the cast and crew — many of whom are Muslim American — who brought the film to life.

Saman Hasan was born in Quetta, Pakistan. She is an actress, and currently resides in NYC. Hasan grew up in Dhahran Saudi Arabia and continued her education in Bahrain. She was later trained as an actor at the William Esper Studio along with other studios in NYC.

Hasan plays Ayesha in the “Ramadan America” short “Nani’s Biryani”.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

Fann Staff: Tell us about yourself.

Saman Hasan: I am originally from Pakistan, but I grew up in Saudi Arabia. My upbringing was unique because I lived in an international compound called Aramco. As an expat living in a compound with people from all walks of life, my friends became my family, and I had the privilege of seeing the world from a different perspective. This allowed me to have greater acceptance and tolerance towards others.

Fann Staff: What do you do for fun when you're not acting?

Saman Hasan: I feel energized and joyful when I'm learning a new skill. In the last two years, I have committed to practicing yoga and meditation every day, even when I don't feel like it. I love the feeling of challenging myself to do something that scared me before.

I found a connection with Ayesha's character because like her, I believe it is our responsibility to preserve our roots and traditions, no matter where life takes us.

Fann Staff: Did you fall into acting or was it always a passionate pursuit for you?

Saman Hasan: During my childhood, I always loved drawing and painting, but was very shy when it came to performing. However, after moving to New York and feeling a bit lost, I enrolled in drama school and immediately fell in love with acting and the way it challenged me. I continued my education at William Esper Studio and worked on various projects, but it wasn't until I saw myself on screen as a lead in my first Lifetime Network TV feature film that I had a realization. That moment truly felt like I had earned the right to call myself an actor. Making art has always brought me a deep sense of fulfillment.

Fann Staff: Do you have an idol in the world of theater, film or television?

Saman Hasan: I don't have any idols but I am inspired by people who lead with a purpose and a vision. It's always fascinating to see how artists can express their unique point of view through their work.

Fann Staff: Why were you interested in the “Ramadan America” short in which you featured? What role did you play and what drew you to that character?

Saman Hasan: I am a Muslim American, and I understand it is crucial to have representation in the entertainment industry. I portrayed the character of Ayesha in the short “Nani's Biriyani”. I found a connection with Ayesha's character because like her, I believe it is our responsibility to preserve our roots and traditions, no matter where life takes us. For instance, we can do so by passing down family recipes for generations or sharing the stories of our ancestors with the next generation. Identity is something that I feel deeply connected to.

Fann Staff: How did it feel to work on a set mostly made up of Muslim Americans?

Saman Hasan: I loved the entire cast and crew, it felt like a little family in such a short time.

To combat harmful narratives [of Muslims in the media], we must amplify our voices through the medium of art ... to preserve our cultures and tell our stories in the manner we desire.

Fann Staff: What makes “Ramadan America” worth watching?

Saman Hasan: In today's society, there exists a hazardous climate where the depiction of Muslims in media is largely negative. To combat these harmful narratives, we must amplify our voices through the medium of art — and in this case, film. Doing so will allow us to preserve our cultures and tell our stories in the manner we desire.

Fann Staff: Do you have a favorite Ramadan or Eid memory of your own?

Saman Hasan: I loved waking up in the morning to find little treats by my bed on Eid! My mom would always have a wonderful breakfast prepared downstairs, and we would get ready to visit all our family members. To me, Eid is all about spending time with family and enjoying delicious food.

You can keep up with Saman Hasan on her Instagram.

There will be a “Ramadan America” watch party March 9 at the 2024 Austin Muslim House.

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Every year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils a lineup of musical icons whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music, and the 2024 nominees list is no exception.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has just named the hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim and 14 other nominees for induction into its 2024 class. The acts honored span genres such as pop, hard rock, hip-hop and R&B.

Eric B. & Rakim’s nomination is notable because the majority of Rakim’s lyrics relate to his identity as a Muslim, which has gone on to influence other contemporary Muslim rappers. "I love what I live and I live Islam, so I applied it to everything I do," Rakim told The Final Call in a 2009 interview. "I applied it to my rhymes and I felt that I wanted the people to know what I knew. I felt that I was put here for that purpose and I just want to fulfill my legacy as far as being a conscious rapper and putting the word that I felt the streets needed to hear out there."

Rakim of Eric B. & Rakim isn’t the only Muslim musician nominated for entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. A Tribe Called Quest was also nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, and two-thirds of the group’s surviving members (Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad) converted to Islam during the group’s height in the mid-1990s. Sinéad O'Connor was also nominated this year following her unexpected death last year.

The full 15 nominees for induction in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade and A Tribe Called Quest. 

Notably, 10 of the 15 nominees — Carey, Cher, Foreigner, Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Kravitz, Oasis, O’Connor, Osbourne and Sade — are making their debut appearance on the ballot. While Osbourne has previously been inducted as a member of Black Sabbath, this is his first nomination as a solo artist. 

John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, expressed his excitement about the nominees, emphasizing the importance of honoring artists who have carved out their own unique paths in the world of music. "This remarkable list of nominees reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates,” Sykes said. “Continuing in the true spirit of rock & roll, these artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps.”

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will stream live this fall on Disney+, followed by an edited version of the ceremony airing on ABC at a later date. 

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