Yesterday, the Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) co-hosted the Houston Islamic Film Fest (HIFF) 2026 at MATCH Houston. HIFF is an initiative dedicated to amplifying authentic Muslim stories and challenging harmful stereotypes in media. The event is in partnership with the University of Houston Muslim Student Association & Watermelon Productions. 

This year’s theme, “Capturing Narratives Beyond Stereotypes,” called on filmmakers to explore how Muslims today are fighting injustice, rewriting narratives, and living unapologetically as Muslims. The festival seeks to spotlight the real, lived experiences of Muslim communities—stories that move beyond headlines, suspicion, and cliché.

American Muslims have been framed through narrow and dehumanizing lenses: as outsiders who do not belong, threats to be contained, or victims without agency. HIFF 2026 aimed to disrupt those narratives by showcasing films that reflect the vastness, dignity, creativity, and resilience of Muslim life.

As a leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, CAIR-Texas views storytelling as a critical extension of its mission to protect civil liberties and promote justice.

“Media shapes public perception, and public perception shapes policy,” said Aliyan Hashmani, Outreach Coordinator at CAIR-Texas. “At a time when Muslims continue to face discrimination and misrepresentation, it is essential that we invest in platforms that allow our communities to define ourselves on our own terms. HIFF 2026 creates space for stories of trust, justice, courage, and excellence.”

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.  

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.   

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CONTACT: Imran Ghani, Director, CAIR-Texas Houston, ighani@cair.com, 713-922-5270; Aliyan Hashmani, Outreach Coordinator, CAIR-Texas Houston, ahashmani@cair.com, 832-805-6410; John T. Floyd, CAIR National Board Member, CAIR-Texas Houston, 713-254-2016, jfloyd@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com