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Muslim Media Hub Short Film Lab
Welcome to the Short Film Lab, a hands-on, story-driven program where Muslims (ages 18-25) come together to uncover, document, and share untold stories of Muslims in Canada.
Now in its second year, the lab builds on the success of our first cohort, continuing to empower emerging Muslim storytellers to take ownership of their narratives and bring their histories to life on screen.
Muslims in Canada: Stories, Then & Now
Muslims have been in Canada since before Confederation, shaping the country in countless ways, yet too many of their stories remain untold. This Lab is your chance to uncover those stories and share them with the world so that they're not just remembered, but recognized as a part of Canada's collective history.
Proudly Supported by
In Collaboration with
What You'll Learn
Story Development & Research
Learn how to source compelling stories, explore archival materials, and connect the past to present-day Muslim experiences.
Production Skills
Receive in-depth training in camera work, audio, lighting, and visual storytelling.
Post-Production
Master the basics of editing your footage into a cohesive, impactful film.
What You’ll Gain
Personalized Documentary Project
A professionally produced short documentary film that will be screened publicly and published across MMH’s platforms
Certification of Completion
You will receive an official certificate recognizing your skills and dedication to the art of filmmaking.
Practical Skills & Network
Real-world experience, new collaborators, and a deeper connection to your identity and community through visual storytelling
This Lab Is For You If
You're Muslim, between the ages of 18 and 25
You're curious about filmmaking. No previous film experience required
You're passionate about telling stories that matter, especially those that reflect your identity, history, or community
You're interested in exploring how the past shapes our present through archival research and lived experience
You want to work collaboratively, learn new skills, and be mentored by professionals in a supportive environment
You’re able to physically attend all workshops and filming sessions in Mississauga on weekends from September to November 2025
Whether you've never picked up a camera or you're already experimenting with filmmaking, this lab is about giving you the tools and confidence to tell your story in your own way.
Meet Your Instructors
Our instructors are industry professionals with experience across film, sound, and media education. They’re here to equip you with the technical skills and confidence to create your own short film.
Mateen Manek
Mateen Manek is a filmmaker and writer based just outside of Toronto, Canada. He is the founder and creative director of Studio Rooh, a video production company that creates doc-style and narrative content. He’s interested in topics like community, culture and identity. He also very much enjoys a good cup of coffee. Mateen teaches students how to direct and work with a subject on-set.
Yazmeen Kanji
Yazmeen Kanji is a Muslim Indo-Caribbean filmmaker and CEO of Films With A Cause. A Hot Docs Accelerator Fellow, her work includes award-winning documentaries like From Syria To Hope and With Love From Munera. Currently developing a documentary on systemic racism and healthcare and producing a short film about an Indo-Caribbean teenager, her films focus on narratives of joy and hope. Yazmeen guides participants on crafting compelling narratives and how to make a career in the film industry.
Ben Wong
Ben Wong is a Toronto-based cinematographer, photographer, and colourist, known for his diverse portfolio including films, commercials, and music videos. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with an award for Best Cinematography, his films have been recognized at film festivals like Palm Springs Shortfest and LAAPFF, and have won accolades including Best of Showcase at WIFT 2022. Ben teaches students the fundamentals of camera and lighting operation.
Khaleel Gandhi
Khaleel Gandhi is a director, editor and producer, and the production manager at Muslim Media Hub. He has worked on a wide range of projects including documentary, commercials, marketing, and short films. His documentary and experimental short films have been seen across the country. He is also a stage manager in the theatre industry and the occasional photographer. Khaleel guides participants through visual planning, pre-production and on-set collaboration.
Keth Sivakumar
Keth Sivakumar is an audio engineer with a deep knowledge of microphones, boom operation, and sound design. He has worked on dozens of short and feature film sets across the GTA as a boom operator, sound assistant, sound mixer and location sound recordist and is a member of IATSE Local 873. Keth will teach you how to capture crisp, clear audio in any setting.
Ali Zaidi
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. Ali will help students refine their story and elevate their film’s impact.
Short Film Lab 2025 Schedule
Explore the full program schedule from Week 1 to Week 10, including session dates and times.
01
Week
Saturday, September 20
10am-2pm
Sunday, September 21
10am-2pm
02
Week
Saturday, September 27
10am-4pm
Sunday, September 28
10am-4pm
03
Week
Saturday, October 4
10am-2pm
Sunday, October 5
10am-2pm
04
Week
Saturday, October 11
10am-2pm
Sunday, October 12
10am-2pm
05
Week
Saturday, October 18
All day
Sunday, October 19
All day
06
Week
Saturday, October 25
All day
Sunday, October 26
All day
07
Week
Saturday, November 1
10am-2pm
Sunday, November 2
10am-4pm
08
Week
Saturday, November 8
10am-2pm
Sunday, November 9
10am-4pm
09
Week
Saturday, November 15
10am-2pm
Sunday, November 16
10am-4pm
10
Week
Saturday, November 22
10am-2pm
End.
What People Have Said
I’m just overwhelmed. The production value, wow. For 8 weeks? For people who haven’t even done production before? I echo what everyone said. It’s amazing.
Justine Fung
Director of Culture & Strategic Planning, Unscripted Content & Studios, CBC Television