For three decades, the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition has advocated for religious tolerance and women’s empowerment. One of the ways it advances that cause is through the annual Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival, which this year runs from Oct. 17-20 and includes a significant step forward for the organization itself.
Perhaps the most visible evolution involves dropping the city from the group’s name — a move done to reflect “the coalition’s broader reach,” said Janan Najeeb, executive director of what is now known simply as the Muslim Women’s Coalition. “We have built a strong legacy under the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition. But our work now spans throughout the state and region, so it’s time our name reflects our growth.”
With the new name comes a new logo and website, plus a campaign called “Connecting Hearts, Strengthening Communities” that will roll out after the festival. The MWC explained that the initiative will continue its pushback against negative stereotypes by putting diverse Muslim women and girls front and center as key contributors to Milwaukee.
Another showcase for those individuals is the film festival, which includes several female-forward selections across the four days of programming at the Oriental Theatre. You can find information about all eight films below and use the links to buy tickets via the Milwaukee Film website.
Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival movies
All Static & Noise
2023
David Novack
Jewher, a Uyghur teen from China, lands in the U.S. after she is violently separated from her father at the Beijing airport. Abduweli, a linguist and poet imprisoned and tortured for teaching Uyghur language, leaves for Istanbul upon his release. Together, they join survivors of China’s "re-education camps" and their families in Turkey, Kazakhstan, Europe and the United States to expose atrocities with the hope that global awareness brings change.
Dounia & The Princess of Aleppo
2022
Marya Zarif, André Kadi
Dounia is 6 years old. She lives in Aleppo, a thousand-year-old legendary city in the heart of the world. But one day, war breaks out, so she leaves her home with a few nigella seeds in her hand. With the help of the princess of Aleppo, Dounia makes the journey to a new world.
Hajjan
2023
Abu Bakr Shawky
In the highly competitive world of desert camel racing, young Ghanim dreams of seizing victory in the annual Great Safwa Race to honor his legendary grandfather, known only as Hajjan — “The Jockey.” But tragedy strikes when he is thrown from his mount by a mysterious rider, resulting in his tragic death. Witnessing his older brother's suspicious demise, orphaned Mattar vows to restore his family honor, embarking on a mission to become a Hajjan himself.
The Night Won’t End
2024
Al Jazeera
This film investigates the killings of civilians by the Israeli military in Gaza — from air strikes to field executions — and the role of the United States in the war. As Israel’s bombing campaign continues in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis deepens to catastrophic levels, the Biden administration has not wavered in its support for Israel. United States weapons transfers, from 2,000-pound bombs to artillery shells and tanks, have been a crucial part of the Israeli military campaign. The Night Won’t End is courtesy of Al Jazeera Media Network.
Pain and Peace
2024
Mark Feijo
A survivor of a brutal hate crime embarks on a profound journey to explore the underlying causes of hatred and the depths of forgiveness. This compelling narrative unfolds as a story of hope and healing, offering inspiration in the face of unimaginable tragedy and seeking purpose through pain.
Praying for Armageddon
2023
Tonje Hessen Schei, Michael Rowley
A political thriller that investigates the dangerous consequences of the fusion between Evangelical Christianity and American politics. Through years of reporting, this film not only reveals how structures of fundamentalism weaken the very fabric of American democracy, but also highlights the devastating impact religion wields on U.S. foreign policy.
Seize the Summit
2024
Arwa Damon, Binnur Karaevli
Four young strangers have come together to take on the challenge of summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. They do not have a common religion, culture, or language, but they are all survivors of war. The week-long journey to the summit is more than just an ascension. It is about pushing physical boundaries and breaking through psychological ones. They will have to face their inner demons and trauma, and in many ways find strength they did not know they had.
The Teacher
2023
Farah Nabulsi
A Palestinian schoolteacher struggles to reconcile his risky commitment to political resistance with the chance of a new relationship with volunteer-worker Lisa and his emotional support for one of his students Adam.
