Muslim Film Festival is coming to Perth for the first time this spring, with a selection of 40 films from around the world screening over four sessions at the Backlot Theatre on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8. The Muslim Film Festival will also be holding a special closing ceremony at Subiaco Arts Centre on Monday, September 9, featuring special screening of films from Australia and abroad, along with an award ceremony.
The Muslim Film Festival aims to celebrate the diversity of the Muslim film-making community and explore themes such as the growing issue of anti-Islamic sentiment in the community. Australian film Found directly addresses Islamophobia after the 9/11 attacks, while Gift takes a markedly different view with an explosive twist. Creed, filmed in Melbourne, addresses the challenges young Muslims face, in fitting in and observing their faith. Nour (pictured) is the story of a young woman has lost almost everything in the Syrian war, yet must now take on responsibilities she doesn’t know how to face.
Festival Director, Joanne McKeown said, “we wanted to have films that addressed different issues, particularly with the aim to break down prejudice and misconceptions about Muslims and to humanise our stories.”
The festival is organised by Badayel House, based in Perth and supported by the Office of Multicultural Interests in West Australia, Muslims Australia (AFIC), Islamic Council of WA, IslamicCo-operative Finance Australia Ltd and the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations.
Muslim Film Festival hits the Backlot Theatre on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 with a closing ceremony at Subiaco Arts Centre on Monday, September 9. For more information and to buy tickets head to www.muslimfilmfestival.com.au.
