Film festival in Edmonton highlights Muslim talent [Video]

A local festival featuring short films directed by Arabs and Muslims at home and from around the world aims to creatively break down stereotypes and barriers the community faces.

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“The Mosquers Film Festival, in its 16th year as it grows more popular over time, sees hundreds of submissions from 20 countries,” Sofia Alani, the co-chair of the film festival, told CTV News Edmonton.

She says they use The Mosquers – a name that comes from combining the words Mosque and Oscars – to break stereotypes and celebrate Muslim excellence in film.

“We weren’t seeing a lot of Muslim folks being given opportunities in front of the camera, behind the camera, you know, writing scripts in writers rooms,” Alani said.

“Seeing the need for good, nuanced representation on screen, and in all forms of media was, …