The Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival has been the brainchild of the Muslim Women’s Coalition from its inception. Now into its ninth year, Co-Founder and President Janan Najib says that this year’s line up celebrates the diversity of Islamic culture and the power of the human spirit.
According to the Muslim Women’s Coalition Co-Founder Janan Najib, the Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival in the United States stands as a testament to the power of storytelling through film, promoting empathy, understanding, and unity across communities.
Now in its ninth year, Najib says that they are dedicated to the festival’s mission of honouring the diversity of Islamic culture and the shared human spirit, while reinforcing values of coexistence, compassion, and respect.
This year marks a significant milestone with the rebranding of Najib’s organization. Formerly the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, it now goes by Muslim Women’s Coalition, reflecting its wider influence beyond the city. Najib explains.
“Our work grows so much that it was time for a change. The rebranding aligns with our campaign ‘Connecting Hearts and Strengthening Communities’ which emphasizes the Muslim community as part of Milwaukee’s rich tapestry and embraces inclusion on a broader scale,” sys Najib.
According to Najib, the MMFF serves as a platform for under-represented voices, sparking meaningful discussions.
One film, Pain and Peace, embodies the festival’s spirit. It tells the story of a hate crime survivor who chooses forgiveness over retribution, offering a narrative of healing and resilience. According to Najib, this film encapsulates the festival’s mission to foster dialogue and shared humanity.
Another feature, The Night Won’t End, examines the destruction in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, emphasizing the ongoing conflict’s toll while calling for peace and justice. Najib points out that the MMFF is not just about showcasing films, but about fostering connections. Every screening includes a talkback or panel discussion, offering audiences a chance to engage with the stories on a deeper level.
From documentaries to dramas like Hajan, a film exploring the world of desert camel racing, the MMFF highlights the range of Muslim experiences and perspectives. For Najib, this diversity is at the heart of the festival’s mission to promote understanding and coexistence.
As the Muslim Women’s Coalition evolves under its new name and as the MMFF expands, Najib remains focused on using film to inspire unity, understanding, and empathy across all communities. Through stories, Najib emphasizes that Milwaukee’s strength, and the world’s, lies in its diversity.
According to Najib the MMFF serves as more than just a film festival—it is a platform for nurturing the empathy and unity that can transform societies.
One standout film is ‘Seize the Summit’ by Arwa Damon. The film follows Damon’s journey into Iraq and Syria, capturing the human capacity to endure hardship. This film illustrates how individuals, even in the most challenging circumstances, come together to rebuild and heal. This message aligns with the festival’s mission of fostering resilience, understanding, and unity.
Through Damon’s perspective, we witness the strength of the human spirit and the storytelling’s transformative potential. The film encouraging audiences to look beyond divisions and recognize the common bonds that connect us all.
Notes from the Editor: This feature has been edited from its original publication here.
