This enlightening discussion takes place in the wake of the writers and actors strike, exploring how the industry can embrace more diverse stories from emerging talent, including independent filmmakers. Our panelists will delve into strategies for crafting narratives that stand out in a highly competitive and saturated market, offering unique insights and practical tips to help your stories shine in an ever-changing landscape.

MPACApril 12, 2024Comment

Avoiding Censorship: How to Increase Muslim Representation in News & Media

The panel will discuss Muslim representation in government, news, entertainment, and marketing, highlighting how media often misrepresents Muslim culture and values. Panelists will offer solutions for improving Muslim representation in mainstream media to counter negative stereotypes and enhance creative content.

MPACApril 12, 2024Comment

Laughing in the Face of Hate

This compelling fireside chat highlights the critical work of comedy for culture change. Comedians are social commentators who tackle serious societal issues with wit and courage. As hate and intolerance persist, this fireside chat brings influential comedians Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid, the co-founders of the Arab American Comedy Festival, to highlight the U.S. Arab and Muslim experience. Their sharp insights will illustrate how humor can disarm audiences through relatable stories and be a formidable force against hate.

MPACApril 5, 2024Comment

The Vital Role of Documentaries in Shaping Perspectives

In an age inundated with mis/disinformation, documentaries emerge as compelling narratives that transcend the realm of mere entertainment. Through the artful combination of storytelling and visual representation, documentaries on Muslim narratives invite audiences to critically examine and question preconceived notions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in the lives of individuals who identify with the Muslim faith. This panel will focus on the enriching tapestry of Muslim narratives within the documentary genre, delving into the profound significance of these films that provide a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the shared human experience.

MPACApril 5, 2024Comment

Navigating Cancel Culture: Unpacking Perspectives and Implications

"Cancel culture" has emerged as a prominent and polarizing element within our democracy. This panel aims to delve into the multifaceted nature of cancel culture, investigating its effects on both individuals and society at large and exploring the far-reaching consequences of limiting free speech and expression. The panelists, representing diverse sectors of society, will provide valuable perspectives on how cancel culture is depicted and magnified across different mediums. They will share insights on the nuanced challenges of pursuing a just and free society while navigating within the constraints imposed by this phenomenon.

MPACApril 5, 2024Comment

Combating Anti-Muslim Hate and Disinformation Through Storytelling

As the population of Muslims in America and the world grows so does anti-Muslim sentiment. Presented by the MPAC Hollywood Bureau and the Islamic Scholarship Fund, this SXSW 2023 panel of entertainment creatives discusses how TV, Film, Podcasts, and other mediums impact pop culture and help to dismantle disinformation about Muslims, and the fastest growing religion in the world, Islam.

MPACSeptember 7, 2023Comment

Muslim Cinematic Storytelling

At the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the MPAC Hollywood Bureau, alongside the Islamic Scholarship Fund, hosted the Muslim Cinematic Storytelling Panel – an open dialogue for Muslim filmmakers to share their experiences in the entertainment industry, and share their work with the audience. Featured panelists included Iman Zawahry, Aizzah Fatima, Nausheen Dadabhoy, and Imran J. Khan. Qasim Basir and Nida Manzoor, whose films "To Live and Die and Live" and "Polite Society," made their world premiere at the festival, also participated on the panel.

MPACSeptember 7, 2023Comment

Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion

At the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the MPAC Hollywood Bureau hosted "Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion" – a discussion about the many pitfalls of diversity efforts for Muslims in the entertainment industry with Dr. Evelyn Alsultany, Razi Jafri, and Omar Noureldin.

MPACSeptember 7, 2023Comment

Creating a Critical Mass of Muslim Talent Behind and in Front of the Camera

Muslim producers, screenwriters, directors, and actors are proving that there is room not only for stories that defy stereotypes, but ones that reflect the messy, complex ways in which being Muslim converges with so many other parts of one’s identity. This conversation at the 2022 ATX Film Festival explores how Muslim storytellers in Hollywood are forging their way ahead in creating a much needed critical mass to change the tide so authentic and nuanced stories can rise to the top.

Panels-01MPACAugust 11, 2022Comment

Muslim Cinematic Movements: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities

This conversation on how Muslim creatives can build and sustain film movements at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival was presented by The MPAC® Hollywood Bureau and the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) for the second annual Muslim House.

Panels-01MPACFebruary 1, 2022Comment

Intersectional Solidarity in Animation: Telling BIPOC Stories Together

BIPOC creators joined the MPAC® Hollywood Bureau at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival for a conversation exploring how we harness intersectionality and use it as a superpower.

Panels-01MPACJanuary 28, 2022Comment