MIFF Unscripted

by Muslim International Film Festival

MIFF Unscripted brought to you by the Muslim International Film Festival is a podcast bringing together Muslim filmmakers, artists, creators, and more to discuss some serious and fun conversations alike.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • MIFF Unscripted - Episode 6 - The importance of Muslim storytelling

    MIFF Unscripted - Episode 6 - The importance of Muslim storytelling

    Meet Kashif Pasta (@kashifpasta), the director of Desi Standard Time Travel; the short film will make an appearance on November 26th at the MIFF 2022 festival. Pasta discusses the importance of Muslim storytelling and diverse voices in film culture. He talks about how he wants his films to be accessible to everyone, but the main focus is on the audience he wants to represent through his films. While discussing representation, he talks about representing the sci-fi genre at large and mentions his experience creating Desi Standard Time Travel using his own cultural and religious identity. Pasta explains that the older generation has a gloomy outlook on the future, whereas it is preferable to focus on the positive aspects of life. In order to create a world that can be brought to life on screen, it is important to show multiple perspectives and utilize the tropes that are inherent to it. Join us as he discusses tweeting on Joyland, the importance of casting, and the existence of multiple narratives in storytelling. Focusing on more relatable themes that will resonate with an audience is also essential. And, of course, a discussion of Marvel!

  • MIFF Unscripted - Episode 5 - Significance of vulnerability

    MIFF Unscripted - Episode 5 - Significance of vulnerability

    Meet Jawad Mir (@JawadMir), the director of Citizen of Moria; the film will make an appearance on November 26 at the MIFF 2022 festival. Hear Mir explain his viewpoint on misrepresentation and his experience with racism as a filmmaker. He also discussed the significance of empathy in relation to co-director Ahmad Ebrahimi, how they met, and how the film Citizen of Moria came to be. Mir goes on to discuss the vulnerability in-depth, emphasizing how everyone often avoids addressing the real issues. Join us as he discusses the importance of overcoming obstacles and encouraging creatives to create content that encourages people to ask questions.

  • MIFF Unscripted - Episode 4 - Striving to find a role as a hijabi actress

    MIFF Unscripted - Episode 4 - Striving to find a role as a hijabi actress

    Our MIFF CEO, Hirra Farooqi, talks with the talented Nawal Salim (@nawalsalim_) about her experience filming a documentary and highlighting her personal struggle as a hijabi actress trying to obtain an agency and a role. Hear her describe the types of roles she hopes will be written and developed as a way to allow more Muslim women to start becoming more visible in the industry, as well as hear more about the roles she wishes to portray. It is past time for Muslims to tell their stories and bring their unique perspectives to the screen as writers, directors, producers, performers, and other creative roles in film and/or television. Join us on this episode with Nawal Salim as she tells us more.

  • MIFF Unscripted - Episode 3 - Being a Muslim Realtor

    MIFF Unscripted - Episode 3 - Being a Muslim Realtor

    On this episode, our Director of Sponsorship and Logistics, Kadir Motiwala, took over to talk business. As Muslim entrepreneurs, there are a lot of individual and societal barriers you have to overcome. Join us on this episode with Sabbir Chawlla as he tells us more.

  • MIFF Unscripted- Episode 2 - Being an Actor as a First-Generation Immigrant

    MIFF Unscripted- Episode 2 - Being an Actor as a First-Generation Immigrant

    On this weeks episode, we have Noaman Rahin, @soulwithflow, joining us to talk about what it's like to be an actor as a first-generation immigrant. Noaman dives into the topic of what struggles and acceptances he had to come to terms with as he brought up the conversation of becoming an actor to his parents.