Although Christian films are the most popular religious ones among American moviegoers, the faith-based film market extends to other denominations. And since one of the best places to find new work is the festival circuit, here are five faith-based film festivals happening all over the United States.
International Buddhist Film Festival
Based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, IBFF takes place in April, and this year it premiered over a dozen new documentaries, dramas, and comedies inspired by Buddhism, hailing from 10 different countries, including Canada, Myanmar, Ireland, and Finland. According to the website, “IBFF offers cinema as a vehicle for wider appreciation and better understanding of Buddhism by general audiences, particularly for the remarkable ethnic and cultural diversity evident among Buddhists worldwide today.”
Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival
This past February marked the launch of one of the country’s few Muslim film festivals. Founded by the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, this fest’s premiere slate started with a bang with the 2014 Sundance world cinema documentary grand jury winner “The Return to Homs.” In addition to the praised doc were singular narrative films such as “Giraffada,” based on a true story about the bond a 10-year-old boy shares with two giraffes in the zoo where his father works as a veterinarian. When one is killed in an airstrike, the father and son must transport the remaining female to Tel Aviv for a chance to survive. The slate also included Claymation films, docudramas, and animation. Check back in early 2016 for a new list of films designed to generate discussions within and outside of the Muslim community.
New York Jewish Film Festival
In partnership with the Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the NYJFF has been running 24 years strong. Films spotlight the Jewish religion and culture across generations. This year’s festival, which ran in January, screened throwbacks such as “The Birdcage” and “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Bomb,” as well as U.S. premieres of such flicks as the Toronto International Film Festival select “Felix and Meira,” French-Israeli film “The Dune,” and “Tsili.” In addition to the screenings, the fest also offers panel discussions, free short films, and more.
International Faith & Family Film Festival
Known for its curation of faith-based film submissions, this festival also hosts a slew of panels covering a range of topics from directing, producing, and financing films to discussions on the presence of African-Americans in Hollywood, how actors can improve their craft, and tips on how to pitch faith-based projects to investors. Taking place Aug. 20–22 in Dallas, the festival runs in conjunction with Megafest, which also includes music and other entertainment. This year’s presenters include creator of “Black-ish” Kenya Barris, casting director Robi Reed, actor-director Bill Duke, writers, and producers, as well as other industry vets.
Illuminate Film Festival
This festival doesn’t adhere to a specific religion to program its slate, but focuses on narrative, short, animated, and documentary films with themes to encourage self-love, mindfulness, a deeper sense of spirituality, and empowered living. Based in Sedona, Ariz., this festival completed its second year in May. The 2015 IFF program included the Gillian Anderson–starring “Sold,” about a Nepali girl who perseveres through the struggles of prostitution with her faith; “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet,” an animated adaptation of the beloved poetry volumes starring Salma Hayek, Liam Neeson, Alfred Molina, and others; “iGOD”; “Bonobo”; and more.
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