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The Archives to Screen Film Fellowship is an 8-week intensive for intermediate Muslim filmmakers interested in bringing stories from Muslim history in Canada to the screen.
Fellows will develop their pitched concept into an original short film using archival materials while receiving mentorship from experienced producers, cinematographers, and editors. By the end of the program, participants will have gained hands-on experience in archival filmmaking and completed an original short film.
There are no tuition fees required to participate in this program. Selected fellows will receive a $1,000 honorarium upon successful completion of the program.
September 26 - November 14, 2026
Screening in Jan 2027
Muslim Media Hub, 27 Pearl Street, Mississauga, Ontario
Program Eligibility
Applicants must:
self-identify as Muslim
Be 18 years of age or older
Be an intermediate filmmaker with prior filmmaking experience or a graduate of Muslim Media Hub's Short Film Lab Program
Submit an original project proposal that explores a story from the history of Muslims in Canada using archival materials
Be able to commit to the full 8-week fellowship
Be able to independently lead a film project from development through post-production
This is not a beginner program. Filmmakers will be expected to take a proactive role in leading their projects, manage their time effectively, and actively engage with the creative filmmaking process from research to post-production.
2026 Fellowship Theme
Muslims in Canada: Stories from the Archive
Muslims have helped shape communities across Canada since before Confederation, yet many of these stories remain untold. The Archives to Screen Film Fellowship invites filmmakers to pitch original short films exploring Canadian Muslim history through archival materials. With guidance from experienced mentors, participants will refine their project idea and bring these stories to the screen.
The completed films will be part of Muslim Media Hub's ongoing Muslims in Canada: Stories from the Archive series.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the fellowship, participants will:
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Interpret and adapt archival materials for the screen
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Build advanced filmmaking and post-production skills and techniques
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Refine their creative voice through mentorship and critique
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Develop a short film as part of MMH's Muslims in Canada: Stories from the Archive collection
Program Timeline
Application Deadline
August 14, 2026
Program Begins
September 26, 2026
Pre-Production Sessions
September 26 - October 10, 2026
Production Period
October 16 - October 25, 2026
Post-Production Sessions
October 31 - November 14, 2026
Screening
January 2027
This is an intensive program with a significant time commitment. Participants are required to:
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Attend weekly in-person sessions on Saturdays from September 26 - November 14
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Attend six days of production during the production period
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Complete an additional 5-10 hours of work outside of scheduled in-person sessions to advance their projects towards completion.
Meet The 2026 Film Fellowship Mentors
Naheed Mustafa
Writer, Broadcaster & Producer
Naheed Mustafa is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, and producer working in print, radio, television, and film. Naheed's work has appeared in a variety of media in Canada and internationally including CBC Radio, Radio Netherlands, Walrus, The Atlantic, and Foreign Affairs, and Toronto Life.
Kareem Mansour
Cinematographer
Kareem is an Egyptian/Canadian cinematographer and film director based in Toronto, Canada. He seeks to push beyond limitations and create art that resonates with people on a global scale using his innovating techniques. His debut short film "House Rules" (2026) and recent projects have allowed him to identify his creative style, grounded in universal experiences and captivating visual elements.
Ben Wong
Cinematographer
Benjamin Wong is a Toronto-based cinematographer, photographer, and colourist. Upon graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University with the coveted award for Best Cinematography, Ben has shot a range of narrative and documentary films, as well as commercials and music videos.
Monika Nikolovska
Editor
Monika Nikolovska is a Toronto-based video editor specializing in post-production for film, television, and digital media. With over seven years of experience, she has worked across a diverse range of projects, including short films, broadcast programming, social media content, and podcasts. She is passionate about using editing to shape stories, support creative voices, and bring meaningful narratives to audiences.
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Rohan Painter
Cinematographer
Renowned in the dynamic Toronto Film Industry, Rohan Painter is an accomplished Cinematographer / Director of Photography driven by an unwavering passion for visual storytelling. With years of experience, Rohan seamlessly blends technical acumen with artistic finesse to bring narratives to life on screen.
Ali Zaidi
Editor
Ali Zaidi is an editor with 12 years of experience. What started as a past-time hobby in high school quickly evolved into a profession.
Ali has accumulated a vast variety of work under his belt both in the corporate and entertainment world, having worked with organizations like TVO, TMU, the City of Brampton, Muslim Media Hub and The Working Group (now under Deloitte), amongst others. He’s worked on several short films and a documentary, which have won awards and nominations in both Canada and abroad.
Applications for the 2026 Archives to Screen Film Fellowship are open!
To apply for the Archives to Screen Film Fellowship, complete the online application form by August 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EST).
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
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Provide a brief creative biography
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Share example(s) of your previous filmmaking work
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Pitch an original short film concept inspired by the histories of Muslims in Canada that draws on archival materials
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview in mid-August.
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