Film Independent & MPAC Expand Fellowship For American Muslim Filmmakers With $20K In Grants

In partnership with Film Independent, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau is expanding its Fellowship for American Muslim Filmmakers. Applications have opened for the 2025 fellowship, which will now offer two $10,000 grants to filmmakers accepted into Film Independent’s Artist Development programs who identify as American-Muslim. “The Film Independent’s Artist Development programs continue to be a critical pipeline for uplifting stories from emerging communities,” said MPAC Hollywood Bureau Senior Vice President Sue Obeidi in a statement. “American-Muslim storytellers are an integral part of the fabric of entertainment media. These programs not only nurture talent but help shape a more inclusive, dynamic entertainment landscape that reflects the full richness of our communities.”Marking the first MPAC Fellowship since former Film Independent President Josh Welsh died at age 62 in January, Obeidi said of their “dear friend and champion”: “His absence is missed.