The Muslim House at Sundance: A Beacon of Hope

A Faith Rooted in Resilience

As a follower of the Islamic faith, I was raised with the belief that this life on Earth is only temporary.

In Surah Baqarah (2:155), God says, “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” This verse reminds us that trials are inevitable, but patience and perseverance through hardships will be rewarded. Islam is not alone in this belief. 

Finding Hope at Sundance

Several years ago, after representing the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau during our debut at the Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the United States, I wrote a reflection titled Finding Hope at Sundance. I left the festival deeply inspired, feeling that the future of narratives surrounding Muslims was promising and hopeful, as the title suggested. Years later, we founded The Muslim House®, a dedicated space at the festival to elevate American Muslims and other voices in the filmmaking, narrative, and cultural change space. 

We are just days away from the start of this year’s festival, and I can’t ignore the heaviness of this moment for our community and humanity as a whole. It is an understatement to say that the back-to-back tragedies in the last few years have caused us all trauma that will forever shape how we engage with each other.

As American Muslims, October 7, 2023, and its aftermath in Palestine will forever be etched in our memories. The unimaginable loss, pain, and destruction for both Israelis and Palestinians will have lasting emotional and psychological consequences for generations to come. 

Soon, we will witness the second inauguration of President-Elect Trump. The rise in divisive rhetoric, coupled with a resurgence of policies that threaten my community and other marginalized groups, has left many on edge and triggered anxiety that we have been trying to manage for years. 

This reality of ongoing social, political, and environmental challenges continues today. Among these challenges are the fires currently devastating Los Angeles. While, thankfully, my family and I have not been impacted, my Angeleno community has been deeply impacted beyond belief. The fires are not just a stark symbol of the environmental crisis the world is facing but a profound reminder of the fragility of our lives.  One minute, we are living life as we know it, and in a split second, everything changes. Despite these challenges, we have to find the strength to carry on.

The Role of Creativity in Crisis

As the Senior Vice President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau, I have worked with creatives, storytellers, and changemakers for years, fostering connections that lead to more inclusive and representative narratives about Muslims in entertainment.  This work in entertainment often feels like a crossroads, where one must choose between endurance and surrender amidst the insurmountable obstacles. 

The good news is that surrendering is not an option because, as Muslims, we only surrender to the creator, God. That is what “Islam” actually means: one who submits themselves to the One (The Almighty). It is pretty liberating.

So, where do we go from here? Creativity and storytelling provide a unique and powerful avenue to counteract narratives of fear and hate. The Muslim House® at Sundance is a small but meaningful reminder that, in the face of overwhelming challenges, we can still come together to create, support one another, and imagine a future where we are stronger together. 

Hope Never Dies

This year’s Muslim House at Sundance will showcase Muslim filmmakers’ vibrant stories and serve as a safe harbor in an increasingly volatile world. It will provide space for dialogue, healing, and creativity at a time when we need it the most. Through collaboration with our partners and allies, we are building something that transcends politics, borders, and even the boundaries of art itself. 

We invite you all to engage with us, contribute to this collective effort, and support storytelling as an avenue for concrete change. In times of uncertainty, we may feel tested, but just as Surah Baqarah reminds us, patience and perseverance will guide us to something greater.

At Sundance, and beyond, we are not merely looking to survive—but thrive. And, yes, find hope– because hope never dies. 

To learn more please visit The Muslim House.  If you would like to receive an invitation, please email [email protected].

Established by the MPAC® Hollywood Bureau in 2021, The Muslim House® stands as a dedicated space elevating American Muslim voices at prestigious America-based entertainment industry festivals. It serves as a platform for vital discussions that hold significance for American Muslim communities. We thank the Doris Duke Foundation, who in 2024 provided us with a generous three-year grant to elevate the profile of The Muslim House® at the Sundance, SXSW, and Tribeca Festivals.