The Light of Zahra

The Development Society in collaboration with Africa Federation Tabligh Board presents

The Light of Zahra (sa)

نور الزهراء
An AI Short Film Competition

Teams are invited to tell the story of Bibi Fatema (sa) through a short film made with AI tools, with care, accuracy and respect.

Registration closes 18 October 2026

PrizeUSD 313per winning team
Winners3 teamsselected by the jury
Registration feeTZS 10,000per team member
IncludedAI masterclassfor every registered team
About the competition

A new medium for a timeless story

Az-Zahra, the Radiant One, is a title of Bibi Fatema (sa), daughter of the Holy Prophet (s), wife of Imam Ali (as) and mother of Imam Hasan (as) and Imam Husayn (as). Her life is a source of guidance on faith, family, patience and standing for truth.

This competition asks teams to study her life and present it as a short film made with AI: image, video, voice and music generation, combined with their own research, writing and editing.

Every registered team takes part in an AI masterclass before production begins, so no prior experience is needed. Spots are limited and offered first come, first served.

فَاطِمَةُ بَضْعَةٌ مِنِّي
“Fatema is a part of me.”
The Holy Prophet (s)
Chapters

Three parts of her life

Each team builds its film around one chapter. Full briefs will be shared with registered teams.

I

Daughter of the Prophet (s)

Her birth, childhood in Makkah and the bond with her father that earned her the title Umm Abiha.

II

The Household of Light

Her home with Imam Ali (as) in Madinah and how she raised her children in worship, generosity and simplicity.

III

A Voice for Truth

Her stand after the passing of the Prophet (s), the sermon of Fadak and the legacy she left for those who seek justice.

How it works

From registration to screening

  1. STEP 01

    Register

    Sign up your team by 18 October 2026. TZS 10,000 per member.

  2. STEP 02

    Masterclass

    Learn the AI tools for image, video, voice and music.

  3. STEP 03

    Create

    Choose a chapter, research it, then script, storyboard and produce your film.

  4. STEP 04

    Submit

    Send your finished film for judging before the deadline.

Rules & judging

The brief

Full rules and judging criteria will be published here before production begins.

Rules

To be published
  • Eligibility and team size Pending
  • Film length and format Pending
  • Permitted AI tools Pending
  • Content and portrayal guidelines Pending
  • Submission process Pending

Judging

To be published
  • Judging criteria Pending
  • Weighting of each criterion Pending
  • Jury panel Pending
Key dates

Timeline

MilestoneDate
Registration deadlineFirst come, first served18 Oct 2026
AI masterclassFor all registered teamsTo be announced
Film submission deadlineFinal films dueTo be announced
Screening and awardsThree winning teams announcedTo be announced
Registration

Secure your team's place

Spots are limited and allocated first come, first served.

Fee per memberTZS 10,000
Deadline18 Oct 2026
Time left—
ksijd.ar/LightofZahra
Scan to register
FAQ

Common questions

How much does it cost to enter?

TZS 10,000 per team member, paid at registration.

When does registration close?

18 October 2026. Spots are limited and offered first come, first served, so register early.

Can I enter on my own?

This is a team competition. Team size and eligibility will be confirmed in the rules.

Do we need AI or filmmaking experience?

No. Every registered team takes part in an AI masterclass before production begins.

What can we win?

Three winning teams will each receive USD 313.

How should Ahlul Bayt (as) be portrayed?

Films must show the highest respect. Detailed content guidelines, including how holy personalities may be depicted, will be part of the rules.