Empowering The Voices of Muslim Storytellers: Doris Duke Foundation’s $1M Grant to Sundance Institute
The Building Bridges Fellowship, initiated by the Doris Duke Foundation’s grant to the Sundance Institute, is dedicated to empowering emerging Muslim storytellers and creators committed to sharing authentic narratives. Offering financial support, mentorship, and access to industry resources, this fellowship paves the way for diverse voices to flourish in the entertainment industry.
Meet the Inaugural Cohort of Muslim Storytellers
The inaugural cohort of Building Bridges fellows represents a diverse range of Muslim storytellers, with different cultural backgrounds and storytelling approaches. From intimate memoirs to time-traveling adventures, each project offers a unique perspective on the Muslim experience. Let’s take a closer look at the fellows and their projects:
Fatimah Asghar: “When We Were Sisters”
Fatimah Asghar’s project explores the bonds of sisterhood in the face of adversity. “When We Were Sisters” follows the intense bond of three orphaned U.S. Muslim siblings left to raise one another, delving into themes of love, belonging, and resilience.
Colette Ghunim: “Traces of Home”
Colette Ghunim’s documentary, “Traces of Home,” documents a personal quest to uncover familial migrations. Through her journey, Ghunim seeks to shed light on the experiences of those forced to leave their homelands and the search for belonging.
Sherif Ibrahim: “Wormholes in Cairo”
Sherif Ibrahim’s project, “Wormholes in Cairo,” follows a time-traveling adventure to prevent an apocalypse. Through the journey of Nabeel and Samir, Ibrahim explores themes of family, history, and identity.
Samia Khan-Bambrah: “The Banker’s Daughter”
Samia Khan-Bambrah’s project investigates the global impact of a banking scandal in “The Banker’s Daughter.” Through intimate storytelling, Khan-Bambrah explores themes of power, corruption, and resilience.
Samina Saifee: “AmeriGirl”
Samina Saifee’s project, “AmeriGirl,” tells the story of a young girl navigating friendship and identity. Through Aaliyah Khan’s journey, Saifee explores themes of belonging and self-discovery.
Akram Shibly: “The Gift of Flight”
Akram Shibly’s project, “The Gift of Flight,” explores themes of resilience and heroism in a globetrotting adventure. Through the story of a postal worker’s belief in his power to fly, Shibly delves into themes of family, home, and belonging.
Building Bridges Completion Fund: Supporting Muslim-Focused Films
In addition to the fellowship, the Building Bridges Completion Fund provides crucial funding to support post-production, marketing, and premiere costs for Muslim-focused films and episodic content. This fund aims to reduce barriers for filmmakers and ensure that their stories reach and resonate with audiences worldwide.
A Step Towards Inclusivity for Muslim Filmmakers
The Doris Duke Foundation’s grant to the Sundance Institute represents a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. By empowering emerging talents and supporting diverse narratives, initiatives like the Building Bridges Fellowship and Completion Fund pave the way for a more inclusive media landscape.
Through storytelling, we have the power to change hearts and minds. As we celebrate the inaugural cohort of Building Bridges fellows, let us continue to uplift and amplify diverse voices in film. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society.
For more information about Sundance Institute and its artists programs, visit www.sundance.org. Let’s continue to champion diversity and representation in storytelling.
