ISF is proud to sponsor the first American Muslim Film Grant supporting Muslim filmmakers to change the narrative and tell their own stories.
Film has an undoubtedly powerful influence on society's perceptions and beliefs about the subjects portrayed.
ISF initiated our film grant program in 2014 to create a stronger narrative of Muslim stories and support Muslim filmmakers. The program has continued to grow and since its founding has awarded $625,000 to promising filmmakers. ISF is now working with a pipeline of over 111 filmmakers.
The grant specifically aims to support emerging Muslim filmmakers, who are creating artistic, engaging, and positive stories about their community. The grant is split into two categories: narrative and documentary. In addition to funding, grant recipients will also receive mentorship and networking opportunities from industry professionals to help further the advancement of their script and film.
Film Grant Categories
Eligibility
All filmmakers are eligible for consideration. We review and consider the submission of all candidates regardless of experience, career status, or individual achievements.
- Project may be a narrative feature length, short film, animation, or documentary. Web series are not accepted.
- Filmmaker must film at least 50% of the project in the U.S.
- Films must tell story of American muslim character and themes
- Projects must be in production or post production (except for the social justice category)
- Projects must be consistent with ISF's mission of art changing public policy and public opinion.
- Applicants must own the copyright of the proposed project.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.
"In the representation of Muslims today in pop culture and the media we are either depicted as invisible or were monsters and there's a whole generation of American Muslim artists that's trying to do something about that by creating culture and a representation that better reflects us and all of our nuances and complexities and dimensions."
- Assia Boundoui, ISF 2016 Film Grant Recipient
ISF FILM GRANT Selection Process
Please contact Film@IslamicScholarshipFund.org with any questions about the grant or application process.
"For filmmakers, one of the things that is so important to us is knowing that someone is interested in our stories, knowing that someone can benefit and learn from our stories because I believe as a film director that there is no such thing as pure entertainment there is always a learning aspect. In today's mainstream entertainment we have to change that."
- Queen Ali Muhammad, 2017 ISF Film Grant Recipient