We are proud to announce that the Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival, one of the country’s leading Muslim film festivals and a local staple of world cinemagoing, has partnered with Milwaukee Film for its fifth installment! This year's edition takes place April 25 - 28, with all screenings now taking place in the Oriental Theatre.
Founded in 2015 by the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, the festival aims to create meaningful and relevant community dialogue surrounding Islam and the Muslim experience. Janan Najeeb, president of the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition and founder of the Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival, expressed excitement at the new collaboration. “We are thrilled to be partnering with one of the best film festivals in the country and showing our films in the beautiful Oriental Theatre. We see this as the next phase in the evolution of the MMFF and are excited to bring this unique festival to Milwaukee Film members and the city at large. As one of very few Muslim film festivals in the country, this simply confirms Milwaukee as a city that embraces art and diversity.”
The fest opens with the acclaimed documentary Same God (7 p.m. on April 25). The film follows Dr. Larycia Hawkins, then a professor at a Christian university, and the firestorm that ensued following her social media post stating that Muslims and Christians worship the same God.The subject and the director of the film are both scheduled to attend!
The line-up also includes:
- This Is Home, a poignant film directed by Alexandra Shiva (How To Dance in Ohio, MFF2015) documenting the lives of newly relocated refugee families in Baltimore
- Midnight Traveler, depicting an outspoken filmmaker and his family fleeing their home after being targeted by the Taliban
- Wajd: Songs of Separation, following three musicians who find hope in music while facing uncertain futures. |
- Soufra, which translates into “buffet” highlights the entrepreneurial drive of a group of female refugees who join together in opening a catering business. At the screening there will be foods to sample made by local restaurants run by former refugees.
The festival will feature talkbacks after every screening, in addition to filmmaker Q&As, and panel discussions.
For complete film and event information, or to purchase tickets, visit orientaltheatremke.com. Film tickets cost $11 for general admission and $9 for Milwaukee Film Members.
EVENT INFORMATION:
All Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival screenings will be held at Milwaukee’s historic Oriental Theatre, 2230 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.
Same God
Thursday, April 25 | 7 p.m.
Presented by Greater Milwaukee Foundation/Mary Nohl Fund and Black Lens
Community Sponsors: WISDOM, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, YWCA
Midnight Traveler
Friday, April 26 | 7 p.m.
Presented by Greater Milwaukee Foundation/Mary Nohl Fund
This Is Home
Saturday, April 27 | 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Greater Milwaukee Foundation/Mary Nohl Fund
Ghost Hunting
Saturday, April 27 | 4 p.m.
Presented by Greater Milwaukee Foundation/Mary Nohl Fund
Life Without Basketball
Saturday, April 27 | 7 p.m.
Presented by Greater Milwaukee Foundation/Mary Nohl Fund and Black Lens
Soufra
Sunday, April 28 | 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Greater Milwaukee Foundation/Mary Nohl Fund
Wajd: Songs of Separation
Sunday, April 28 | 7 p.m.
Presented by Greater Milwaukee Foundation/Mary Nohl Fund
Posted by: Tom Fuchs