The Muslim International Film Festival will return to London’s Leicester Square for its second edition, running 2-5 July, “championing the narratives of international Muslim filmmakers and highlighting their compelling stories”.
“MIFF first entered the film festival circuit in 2024, at a time of polarised public opinion and a prevalence of negative portrayals of Muslims in the mainstream media,” organisers said.
“Two years later and the overriding perception of Muslims has, if anything, worsened. A significant portion of Muslims face higher levels of hostility, systemic prejudice and suspicion towards Islam.
“Flashpoints like the right-wing marches in the UK and anti-Muslim narratives perpetuated by the media has led to a rise in reported Islamophobic incidents.”
MIFF continued: “MIFF is ever more determined to use the medium of film to counter this, by showcasing the diverse nature of Muslim communities in Britain and throughout the world.
“This second edition showcases the rich tapestry of Muslim storytelling with premieres and special preview screenings of acclaimed new features from the UK and across the world, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Algeria and Palestine, with topics ranging from racial profiling to celebrating the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj.”
MIFF is supported by UK Muslim Film, a charity working to change perspectives by championing underrepresented talent and voices, both on screen and behind the camera.
UKMF has worked as cultural consultants with C4’s comedy drama Screw, ITV’s Good Karma Hospital, C4’s Hollyoaks, and Columbia Pictures’ Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, ensuring that cultural and faith-based aspects of storylines are portrayed accurately.
The director of UKMF and festival director of MIFF, Sajid Varda, was awarded the MBE in the 2026 King’s New Years Honours List for his services to Diversity and Inclusion in the Film and Television Industry. He received his MBE from the Prince of Wales at an investiture at Windsor Castle on 13 May.
“Returning to London this summer, the Muslim International Film Festival creates a space where audiences and industry come together to experience stories that challenge, inspire and connect,” Varda said.
“MIFF 2026 celebrates exceptional filmmaking while opening the door to perspectives that are too often overlooked or misunderstood.
“Across four days in Leicester Square, we will welcome emerging voices alongside internationally recognised filmmakers to present work that is bold, entertaining and deeply human.
“Alongside our screenings, industry conversations and Script Pitch Live will create opportunities for new talent, fresh ideas and meaningful collaboration.
“In a world becoming increasingly fragmented, MIFF is a reminder that stories remain one of our most powerful tools to bring people together.
“Through cinema, we discover worlds, change perceptions and are reminded that understanding one another is still one of the most important acts of our time.”
The second edition of MIFF opens on 2 July with Hijra (dir: Shahad Ameen, Saudi Arabia/Iraq/Egypt/UK, 2025).
Winner of the Netpac Award when it premiered at Venice Film Festival, it centres on the bond formed between different generations of Saudi women during a journey across the desert to Mecca. When the eldest granddaughter disappears, the grandmother travels to the north in search of the missing teenager.
The festival closes on 5 July with the European Premiere of Human Tide (dir: David Ward, Saudi Arabia, 2025) + Q&A.
Each year, millions of Muslims embark on the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj. Having premiered at the Red Sea Film Festival, this documentary provides an intimate look at this spiritual journey through the eyes of six diverse groups of pilgrims.
“By weaving together their individual voices, the film offers a captivating portrait that reveals the profound transformations this once-in-a-lifetime trip sparks,” MIFF said.
More information is available on the MIFF website.
