MOSQUERS FILM FESTIVAL 2023

AGENDA

An exclusive, invite-only event, and the largest gathering of Muslim creatives anywhere in the world, featuring a panel conversation with some of today’s movers and shakers in the film industry.

The world’s largest showcase of Muslim art, featuring 8 short films selected from over 1000 submissions. Hosted by comedian Hassan Phills and featuring performances from Narcy, Karim Jabbari, Edmonton’s Yusra Ali and more!

More than just a party, POPCORN is a celebration of visual art with paintings, photography, fashion, and various other forms of creative expression on display. In addition, it is the perfect venue for attendees to to interact and discuss the incredible stories and performances they witnessed throughout the Main Event. Halal food and mocktails served throughout.

Join us for an exclusive screening of Mosquers alumni Imran J. Khan’s debut feature film Mustache! Mustache follows the story of Ilyas, a 13-year-old boy who navigates the social hierarchy of his new school in California with a mustache his parents won't let him shave. Following the screening, we’ll have a Q&A with Imran! Please note: Mosquers tickets do not guarantee entry.  An RSVP link will be separately sent to ticket-holders which is required to be filled out in order to guarantee your seat at this special screening.

Following the Q&A with Imran, finalists of our Script & Pitch Competition, presented alongside Rifelion, will pitch their short film ideas LIVE to a panel of judges with a chance to win cash prizes!

Location:

Landmark Cinemas City Centre

10200 102 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T5J 4B7

Bus service from Landmark Cinemas Edmonton City Centre from 2:30PM to 3:00PM.

HOTEL

THE westin

TRANSPORT

The cost of an Uber one way from the airport to The Westin Hotel is roughly $50.

• There is also an option to take public transportation for less than $5 one way that takes about an hour. Take the 747 Bus from the airport to Century Park Transit Centre. From there, you can take the LRT to Central Station, which is a 3 minute walk to The Westin Hotel. 

• Many of our guests are already on our #transport channel in the Slack workspace to coordinate sharing rides with others on the same flight and arriving at the same time. We highly encourage you to do the same, if you’re comfortable. 

• We have arranged for a bus service that will take guests from The Westin Hotel to the event venues and back. See the Agenda and the Slack workspace for more information!

• The POPCORN afterparty is a 10 minute walk from the main-event venue (Winspear Centre). However, for your convenience, we will also have a chartered bus running between the two venues immediately following the main event.

JUmmah

Here are some Jummah options:

IFSSA - Islamic Family and Social Services Association

10545 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2Z8

Jummah times:

2:00 pm

MAC at McDougall United

10086 MacDonald Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2B7

Jummah times:

2:00 pm

MASjid Quba

10210 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0P6

Jummah times:

2:00 pm

3:00 pm

Al Rashid Mosque

13070 113 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 5A8

Jummah times:

1:30pm

2:45pm

MAC Mosque

6104 172 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 1G9

Jummah times:

2:00pm

3:00pm

EXPLORE EDMONTON

West Edmonton Mall

The largest mall in North America and the only one with a pirate ship, amusement park, water park, and a multi level go-karting track.

Telus world of scienCe

Get your nerd on and check out the Telus World of Science! Features all kinds of immersive science exhibits. Including, the Zeidler Dome, a one of a kind planetarium theater that holds different shows about the atoms in the sky. My recommendation is Aurorae, no need to drive up north when you can lay down and watch the northern lights in a whole new way.

Fort Edmonton Park

Check out the original building of Canada's oldest Mosque and explore Edmonton's living history exhibit at Fort Edmonton Park.

Muttart Conservatory

Check out the beautiful Muttart Conservatory - open late on Thursday night if you happen to be arriving early.

Whyte Ave

Walk Whyte Ave and get a sense of Edmonton's eclectic nightlife.

The Aga Khan Gardens

A bit of a drive away and are operating on limited hours (11AM - 5PM on Saturday and Sunday) but absolutely worth checking out! A beautiful outdoor wonderland in both the summer and winter with some incredible natural beauty on display.

Elk Island

Just outside of Edmonton, Elk Island has amazing hikes, real life bison, and if the sky is clear, is a great place to check out the northern lights!

Victoria Park/ Legislature

Go for a skate at any of the hundreds of community skating rinks, or under the lights at the Legislature building! 

West Edmonton Mall water park

Waves, surfing, water slides, palm trees?! Fresh popcorn and a warm pretzel? ZIPLINE?! You will never feel exhilaration like when you’re just hanging out on the stairs for the water slide and then you hear the HUUUUEEEEENNNNGGGG (whale noise) and then it's all screaming as the masses pour from the slides and attractions around and dive into the wave pool to be swallowed by waves taller than man.

For more information on things to do and see during your stay in Edmonton, check out Explore Edmonton.

food

Your Edmonton experience wouldn’t be complete without being blessed by our halal food scene! With so many spots and such little time, our friends at YegHalal have curated a list of incredible halal spots that may actually have you planning a return trip to E-town!

Jerusalem Shawarma

From grab and go to a crew night out, Jerusalem always hits the spot! It’s busy for good reason, the mixed platters are perfection, plus they’re the only thing from Calgary we kinda love! (All halal)

Seoul Fried Chicken

Seriously who doesn’t like Korean fried chicken? SFC just introduced halal options available on pre-order, and it will blow you away. Think saucy, juicy, crispy followed by a food coma. Cilantro lime and garlic soy are fire, and don’t sleep on the sides… (Pre-order halal)

Lahore in Town

Authentic Pakistani food isn’t YEG’s forte, so when LIT opened, it shook us. The shinwari karahi will give you all the feels, get comfortable though, they take their sweet time but it’s worth the wait, no cap. (All halal)

Smokin’ Barrels

A fusion of Mexican and Colombian cuisine that bumps on all levels. Stick to what you know (yes that means birria), grab a horchata and let the magic take over. It’s a cozy spot, like reaallly cozy, but dining-in is really the only way to truly enjoy this gem. (Halal beef only)

D-Spot

Ok they have food, but you know why they’re on here. D-Spot does desserts well – they open late on weekends, and everything is over the top goodness that you can share amongst friends or just smash on your own because why not. (All halal)

Other solid recommendations include:

Primetime Donair

Donairs and Edmonton are in a long term relationship, and PT keeps that bond tight! (All halal)

Dickey’s BBQ Pit

A carnivorous paradise, slow smoked texas style bbq (All halal)

Ruth’s Chris

Ready to splurge? The halal steak is unreal. (Pre-order halal)

Kabsa

The chicken mandi is so simple, but so incredibly delicious. (All halal)