Screenwriters for Series about Muslim New Yorkers

Screenwriters are needed for "a serial drama taking place inside a New York mosque, where American muslims find their place in Islam, in New York, and in post-9/11 America. Writers with an understanding of Islam preferred but not necessary."

This is a low-paying gig.

Continue reading here.

Women's Voices from the Muslim World

Women’s Voices Now is hosting Women’s Voices from the Muslim World: A Short-Film Festival, "giving a voice to women of all faiths living in Muslim-majority countries and Muslim women living as minorities around the globe."

According to the website:

Filmmakers of any gender, nationality and religion are invited to submit films, but emphasis will be put on generating submissions from women living in Muslim-majority countries.

And:

Cash prizes totaling $35,000 will be awarded to winners in several categories including Fiction, Documentary, Student Films and an Experimental category encouraging submissions of silent films, animated films, mobile films and photo montages, as well as films where the content outweighs the technical tools and skills of the filmmaker.

Submissions are currently open and will remain open until November 1, 2010 without charge. However, filmmakers may submit films until November 24, 2010 for a US$20 fee.

Complete guidelines are available here.

Videojournalist Needed for Syrian Documentary

The author of this ad is in need of a videojournalist to travel to Syria to conduct and film some interviews with local Syrian artists. Pay for the chosen candidate includes airfare, expenses and a daily stipend.

Read the whole ad here.

One Nation, Many Voices Film Contest Offers $50,000 in Prizes

One Nation – Liberty and Justice for All is sponsoring a film contest.

From the website:

"We’re offering a $20,000 Grand Prize for the best new and creative short video that reflects the American Muslim experience. Everyone in the U.S. is invited to compete, regardless of race or religion, so grab a camera, pick an assignment, read our online tips, and get filming."

Click here for more details.

The deadline for this competition is September 26, 2008.

Call for Submissions: Arab Film Festival

Minza is an organization dedicated to promoting Arab culture and, according to its website, publishes the only journal of Arab American literature in the United States. They are also responsible for running an annual Arab film festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota, now in its fifth year.

Currently, Minza is seeking submissions for its Arab Film Festival, scheduled for October, 2008. Themes include:

The Arab world
The Islamic world
The Arab/Muslim immigrant experience in the West

Arab and Muslim filmmakers are especially encouraged to submit their work.

Deadline is June 30, 2008.

Click here for more details.

Film Editors

Here are some opportunities for film editors.

One project is a film dealing with an Iraqi family, scattered in eight different countries, that is finally reunited in 2007, after 45 years apart.

The second project is a short documentary called "Reaching for Modesty." This one deals with the decision to wear hijab from the point of view of three sisters living in the US.

Click here for more details about the projects.

Short Film Competition

The MSA (Muslim Students Association) at Virginia Commonwealth University is sponsoring a short film competition (open to Muslim students).

Read more about the competition here.

Jobs at Zahra Pictures

Zahra Pictures is a production company whose goals (among others) include "[bridging] the gap between different cultures especially between the West and Islam, which is still a highly misunderstood religion."

Check out this page for a list of open positions with the company.

The company is in continuous need of freelancers (producers, videographers, and editors) and sometimes seeks actors and voice talent (you can send in a demo). There are also several internships offered each year.