Cinema, Comedy and Cancel Culture — The Muslim House at Sundance 2024

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau has just announced the time and location of the Muslim House and the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The Muslim House is a recurring event at several major film festivals that provides dedicated space for American Muslim voices at prestigious festivals.

Made possible through grant support from the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), the Muslim House underscores a shared commitment to elevating American Muslim voices in the entertainment industry, according to a newsletter sent by MPAC Hollywood Bureau Director Sue Obeidi. “Established by the MPAC Hollywood Bureau in 2021,” Obeidi said, “the Muslim House stands as a dedicated space for vital discussions that hold significance for American Muslim communities.”

The Muslim House was originally established by the MPAC Hollywood Bureau in 2021 as a dedicated space for vital discussions that hold significance for American Muslim communities. The event aims to bring together industry leaders, filmmakers, activists and supporters. In addition to its place at Sundance, the Muslim House has also been an event at film festivals like SXSW and Tribeca.

Three panels will be featured at the event. “Laughing in the Face of Hate” will be a fireside chat that highlights the critical work of comedy for culture change to highlight the U.S. Arab and Muslim experience. This panel will explore how humor can be a formidable force against hate. 

In “Navigating Cancel Culture: Unpacking Perspectives and Implications,” panelists will provide their informed perspectives on the nuanced challenges of pursuing social justice while navigating within the constraints of cancel culture, exploring how it affects both individuals and society on a multifaceted level.

Finally, “The Vital Role of Documentaries in Shaping Perspectives” will examine documentaries on Muslim narratives, which invite audiences to examine preconceived notions they have about Muslims. This, the panel posits, fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in the lives of individuals who identify with the Muslim faith.

You can learn more about the featured panelists here.

The Doris Duke Foundation, which provides funding for the Muslim House, aims to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future by investing in artists and the performing arts. The Foundation also invests in causes such as environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities.

The Muslim House is alcohol-free and takes place at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at 7 p.m. MT at The Park in Park City, Utah. You can RSVP for the event and claim your free ticket at the link below.