Ten years ago, the Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival held its first screening at UW-Milwaukee’s Union Cinema. This fall, it marked its 10th anniversary with a full lineup at the Oriental Theatre, continuing its mission to share underrecognized stories and challenge stereotypes.

The festival was founded in 2015 by the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition. It began as a youth-centered event and has since grown into one of the few Muslim film festivals in the United States.

“We are delighted that the UWM Post is running an article because the festival began at UWM and showed many films in the Union Theater,” said Janan Najeeb, president of the MMWC. “As one of the only Muslim film festivals in the country, we are proud of the impact it has had in Milwaukee and particularly on Muslim youth.”

The first festival featured several films, besides talkbacks with featured filmmakers and guests. It was created as a way to spark conversation around Islam and Muslim experiences in a cultural rather than political setting.

“The point is to generate discussion,” Najeeb told the Post in 2015. “Too often has the conversation about Islam antagonized Muslims.”

This year, the festival kept that original purpose. It brought eight international films to the Oriental Theatre, with post-film discussions led by journalists, professors, and human rights advocates, including renowned law professor Khaled Beydoun. The subjects included family histories, revolution, military coups, and life under occupation.

The 2025 lineup included:

  • From Ground Zero — Palestine’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards
  • All That’s Left of You — A three-generation Palestinian family story
  • American Coup — A documentary on the 1953 CIA-backed coup in Iran
  • Where Olive Trees Weep — A look at daily life under occupation in Palestine
  • Sudan, Remember Us — Stories from the 2019 Sudanese revolution
  • State of Passion — Life inside a hospital under bombardment in Lebanon
  • Land of My Dreams — Youth-led protests in India
  • Yalla Parkour — A documentary exploring identity and movement in the Middle East

Najeeb said the festival remains focused on representation and authenticity.

“Having thought-provoking films that truly capture the Muslim experience rather than Hollywood’s tired stereotypes is uplifting,” she said. “We are able to curate films that bring the incredible diversity and richness of our cultures and people.”

The festival has changed locations over the years, but continues to draw viewers from both the Muslim community and the broader public. It also continues to engage students at UWM, where it first began.

“Screening the films at the beautiful and historic Oriental Theater adds to the awe of the festival,” Najeeb said.