# NY Muslim Film Festival Opens with Diverse Lineup

- Topic: cinema
- Source: [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/new-yorks-muslim-film-festival-counter-narratives-1236898067/)
- Published: 2026-10-03
- Original: https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/new-yorks-muslim-film-festival-counter-narratives-1236898067/
- Language: en
- Image: https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Unqualified.jpg

## At a glance

- NYMFF launches Oct. 11 at SVA Theatre, offering a platform for Muslim filmmakers beyond stereotypical narratives.
- The program screens 12 shorts from seven countries, featuring documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental pieces.
- A six‑member jury, including Aasif Mandvi, Darine Hotait and Abubakar Khan, will award the Watermelon+ Discovery Award.
- Highlights include Mashouf’s “$17.74” on prison solidarity, Emara’s “Baba Is Melting” dramedy, and a range of culturally diverse stories.

## Sources

- [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/new-yorks-muslim-film-festival-counter-narratives-1236898067/)

## The story

The New York Muslim Film Festival (NYMFF) will debut on Oct. 11 at Manhattan’s SVA Theatre, aiming to give Muslim filmmakers a platform beyond stereotypical narratives. Artistic director Hassan Babar emphasized that the festival’s goal is not merely to counter prevailing images but to set a new standard for Muslim storytelling. The one‑day program will screen 12 short films from seven countries, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental works, with women directors in the majority. A six‑member jury, featuring Emmy‑winning Aasif Mandvi, writer‑director Darine Hotait, producer Abubakar Khan and others, will announce winners after the screenings. The Watermelon+ Discovery Award, backed by the streaming platform, will grant the winning film an exclusive limited‑run license. Partners such as the Islamic Scholarship Fund, Lost in Space and Aneesa Talks support the festival’s mission to nurture Muslim and South Asian creatives. Highlights include Justin Mashouf’s “$17.74” about a former gang member’s prison‑based solidarity gesture, and Karim Emara’s “Baba Is Melting,” a Qatar‑U.S. dramedy about family secrets. The festival’s opening reception will host filmmakers and industry guests, followed by two blocks of six films each before the awards ceremony.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/new-yorks-muslim-film-festival-counter-narratives-1236898067/)