SAKINAH Film Festival is a celebration of film and video dedicated to amplifying the creative expressions of Muslim filmmakers and stories. We aim to cultivate a generative space that recognizes our Ummah and celebrates contemporary visual work that reflect identity, creativity, and faith.

Born from the idea of co-founders Kamyar and Mohamed, SAKINAH began as a one-night, sold-out showcase at Northwest Film Forum in February 2025—featuring the work of 14 Muslim filmmakers. Building on this success, and supported by new arts-based grant funding, SAKINAH is now expanding into a formal annual festival.

Held the weekend before Ramadan, the 2026 edition of SAKINAH invites reflection, renewal, and connection through cinema.

Festival Highlights:

+ Four curated screening blocks featuring shorts, documentaries, narratives, and experimental films
+ Live Q&A sessions with filmmakers, curators, and artists
+ Community prayer & networking intermissions
+ Awards ceremony honoring excellence in Muslim storytelling and craft
+ 15% of all entry fees directly support The Sameer Project — a donation-based aid initiative for Gaza led by Palestinians

Submit to the inaugural year of SAKINAH Film Festival and become part of a growing movement of creative solidarity!

Questions? Email us at sakinahfilmfestival@gmail.com

Awards & Prizes

All awards are audience-based — there is no jury system. Festival attendees will vote for their favorite works across all categories

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:
Open to all filmmakers who identify as Muslim and/or whose work centers Muslim stories, experiences, or communities.

Submissions:
Films must include a working screener link. Non-English films require English subtitles. Works-in-progress are accepted, but final versions must be submitted by the deadline.

Runtime:
Shorts under 40 minutes; features 40 minutes or longer.

Screening Format:
Accepted formats include digital files (.MOV, .MP4). Higher-resolution or DCP versions may be requested.

Selection & Awards:
All submissions are reviewed by the programming team. Selected films will be notified via email. All awards are audience-based — there is no jury. Audience members vote for Best Film, Best Image, and Best Sound.

Promotion:
Filmmakers grant the festival permission to use clips and stills for marketing; copyright always remains with the filmmaker.

Community & Conduct:
The festival celebrates respect, creativity, and inclusivity. Content promoting hate or discrimination will not be considered.

Fees:
Entry fees are non-refundable; 15% support The Sameer Project, an aid initiative for Gaza led by Palestinians.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ilhan Abdullahi

    This was such a beautifully curated film festival, with so much intention and community care throughout. Our team was honoured to have our short film 'Unqualified' selected to take part in this festival!

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Lina Abdulkarim

    I had a wonderful experience with this festival. Their communication was professional, warm, and respectful throughout the process. I felt honored to have my film included in a lineup that clearly values meaningful storytelling.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Negine Jasmine Sekandari

    We had the honor of premiering our short film at the Sakinah Film Festival and it played amongst a lineup of beautiful, tender, funny, and important films. Which made it an even bigger deal that our film, Haram Salami, won the best of show award at this festival! We feel very grateful and excited for festivals like this - thank you to the curators for being so warm, supportive, and inviting.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Ahmed Abukar

    Incredible! The care and intention behind this beautifully curated two night event was evident in every detail. The film selections were outstanding, and the level of talent in the room across both evenings was truly inspiring. I am deeply honoured to have received Best in Show for my film Land of Gaza.

    The team at Sakina Film Festival has truly set the bar. It was more than just a festival. It was a powerful celebration of film and video that amplified the creative expression of Muslim filmmakers and the richness of their stories. At a time when Muslims face widespread oppression and misunderstanding, not only of their faith but of the vast cultural diversity and global community within it, this festival created space for nuance, humanity, and authentic representation.

    It was a privilege to be part of something so meaningful.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Sofian Chouaib

    Thank you very much SAKINAH Film Festival for including our shortfilm to you festival! We truly appreciate the communication and the professional of the team. Thank you for this recognition, and I'm wishing you all the best for the future!

    February 2026
    Helpful