Type: Documentary
Director: Brigid Maher
Year: 2009
Time: 59 minutes
Produced by: Brigid Maher
Edited by: Brigid Maher
Language: English & Arabic with English subtitles
"The film, the first of its kind...is not to be missed by any who wish to enter the world of contemporary Islam with its lively gender dynamics being refashioned under our very eyes." — Margot Badran, Feminism In Islam
Women across the Arab world are redefining their role as leaders in Islam. In director Brigid Maher's insightful documentary film, Veiled Voices, three influential women Islamic leaders are profiled—along with their families and the communities in which they serve: Ghina Hammoud in Lebanon, Dr. Du’ad Saleh in Egypt and Huda al-Habash in Syria.
Filmed over the course of two years, Veiled Voices reveals a world rarely documented, exploring both the public and private lives of these women. As a divorced woman, Ghina Hammoud faces a personal challenge in gaining legitimacy as a leader, since divorce is controversial in communities throughout Lebanon; In Egypt, Dr. Su’ad Saleh must continually fight for public recognition by the Egyptian religious authority at al-Azhar—the famous Cairo mosque and university founded in the 10th century; Huda al-Habash in Damascus enjoys both institutional support and the support of her husband as she teaches women in Syria and lectures all over the Middle East, helping others "move…from ignorance to knowledge."
The three personal stories featured in Veiled Voices give insight into how Muslim women are increasingly willing to challenge the status quo from within their religion, promoting Islam as a powerful force for positive transformation in the world.
Click here to find info on Sheikha Stories—a collection of five short documentary films by director Brigid Maher, which is also included on the Veiled Voices DVD. Sheikha Stories is also available separately for institutional purchase.
Study guides for universities and high schools are available here. Viewing guides for screenings and discussions are also available.
Watch the trailer:
Rental Information:
This film is available for festival and educational screenings and for television broadcast. For information regarding rental rates and formats, please contact institutions@arabfilm.com for theatrical and institutional/non-theatrical screenings, or festivals@arabfilm.com for festival rentals or television broadcast.
