A FILM ON ICONIC WOMEN IN THE ARAB WORLD
LEILA AOUJDAD, INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCER
Promoting the role of iconic women in the Arab world
For lucrative reasons (it is an attractive business that sells books, magazines, newspapers, debates, etc.); for reasons of ignorance, or intellectual laziness/bias (it is not uncommon to watch political debates that underline the lack of understanding of the socio-political dimensions of these questions).
But although this reality exists, it is not a monolithic one. Indeed, the Arab woman is far from these orientalist clichés and another reality exists: a progressive, emancipatory, feminist reality and it is precisely this reality that I wish to highlight.
Why this media initiative ?
Moreover, having traveled extensively in the Arab region for my profession (from Morocco to Qatar via Sudan), I had a chance to meet and interview countless inspiring women and I noticed over the years that they do not always get the media coverage they deserve, let alone a fair one.
For this reason, I have embarked on a mission to amplify their media visibility through a series of documentaries entitled Women of Influence in the Arab World, which will be filmed in a number of Arab countries.
Although I may discuss the religion of Islam when the interviewee is a Muslim, it will not be a central issue in the film.
This series’ ultimate aim is to reinforce the invisible link between people, beyond their apparent differences – whatever their background may be, cultural, religious or other – and as a consequence encourage their peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
Via their own personal stories, our “real” characters will finally have the opportunity to rectify the role of Arab women within the Arab culture, thereby projecting an unprecedented, strong – and above all “credible” – message to the international community.