<[link removed]> A Ramadan Appeal The Power Of Community Comes From You To the Muslims for Progressive Values community, My name is Saif and I'm the screenwriter and director of Witness <[link removed]> , a short film that received funding from Muslims for Progressive Values' Community Arts Fund last year. This funding was vital in allowing us to produce our film, which tells the story of a revered small-town imam who faces a crisis of faith when he must choose between upholding the values of his mosque or protecting the safety and spiritual belonging of a male congregant. I am deeply grateful to Ani, the board of MPV, and MPV's donors, both large and small, for showing us the power of true community - one that uplifts and stands by developing artists, especially those telling stories that are often unsupported. Having an established Muslim organization back a queer/trans film was not just meaningful, but instilled in me confidence to step forward as an emerging filmmaker. Beyond the generous financial support, MPV’s free and thorough online resources became invaluable during pre-production, allowing our cast and team to deepen their understanding of the film’s themes through a credible progressive Islamic lens. After getting many rejections from mosques and religious leaders due to the themes of our story, MPV’s sincere affirmation of Witness’s importance—within the Muslim community and beyond— made it possible for us to cross the finish line and share our film with the world. Even after our film wrapped, MPV continued to uplift us—inviting us to free workshops, community iftars, and providing platforms to spotlight our film. It is because of donors like you that MPV has the ability to create these important spaces, where Muslim artists can collaborate and foster the connections necessary to create more authentic art in the world. MPV has become family. Their consistent and unwavering support reminds us that there is a place for all of us in the Muslim Ummah. This Ramadan, I am joining MPV to encourage you to donate your Zakat to their 2025 Ramadan Fundraiser <[link removed]> . Half the funding donated to this fundraiser will go directly to MPV's Community Arts Fund, ensuring that other artists like myself and my fellow creators of Witness, can have our stories told, regardless of whether or not we have the support of mainstream mosques, funders, or religious institutions. Donate Here! <[link removed]> Together, we can remind artists and creators there is a place for all of us in the Muslim ummah. With gratitude for your support, Saif <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <mailto:[email protected]> Muslims for Progressive Values 1626 N. WILCOX AVE, SUITE 702 LOS ANGELES, CA 90028 U.S.A. Powered by Squarespace <[link removed]> Unsubscribe <[link removed]>