Growing up in Newark's Muslim community, Aymann Ismail often felt an 'intentional veil' between his world and others. He recalls unique local experiences like Muslim Boy Scouts and karate, emphasizing the city's diversity and community ties.
The aromas—some familiar, some entirely new—drifted past me. Music played from different corners. People chatted in languages I half-recognised, others I couldn't place at all.
One of the groups taking part is the Fermoy International Choir which was founded to promote respect and solidarity through music and to help those new to Ireland to make friends and settle in their new community.
At the end of 2021, I lost everything I had in an overnight fire at my home in Boulder, Colorado. Without my beloved cat or my condo, my life completely fell apart.
Queens Night Market founder John Wang stated, "What the vendors decided upon was a tremendous gift to NYC. At a time when we seem to be consistently paying $5 to $6 for even a cup of coffee..."
At a time when the cultural cornerstones of discovery and diversity that make art so important are being threatened, SIFF is doubling down on bringing those stories to the screen.
"There's definitely been a lot of fear and a lot of discrimination. We know the stereotypes against us and they're just amplified now." - Bismah Jaffer, CAIR-SFBA Civil Rights Attorney