Faith Without Fear
One of the most prominent “think-different” Muslim women today is Irshad Manji. This film follows Manji as she wrestles with her identity while traveling the world, from discussions in Yemen with a former Bin Laden bodyguard, to a search in Spain for the ancient tradition of ijtihad (open debate), to conversations with her own mother. Raquel Evita Saraswati (right) from Project Ijtihad will lead a discussion after the screening.

Mrs. President: Women and Political Leadership in Iran
In the summer of 2001, 47 Iranian women registered as candidates for president – only to be disqualified by the Guardian Council of clerics that rule Iran. This documentary profiles six dynamic candidates who agreed to be interviewed on camera, along with commentary from journalists and some of the women’s husbands.The film’s producer, Shahla Haeri, director of Boston University’s Women’s Studies Program, will speak after the screening.

The Enemies of Happiness
Malalai Joya is a 28 year-old Afghan woman who decides to run for a seat in the National Assembly. It is the first democratic parliamentary election in Afghanistan in over 30 years, and Joya’s campaign challenges traditional views of female representation in Afghani politics. The film follows Joya's campaigns despite several death threats and four attempts on her life.

Sand and Sorrow
In the defining human rights crisis of our day, women are on the frontlines. This documentary on Darfur spotlights female survivors of brutal militia raids, as well as women leaders trying to help them rebuild their lives. Narrated by George Clooney and featuring appearances by Elie Wiesel and Barack Obama, Sand and Sorrow challenges audiences to take action now to stop genocide.

Adieu Meres (Goodbye Mothers)
Fatima and Ruth work together at an insurance company in 1960 Casablanca. Childless Fatima serves as a surrogate mother for Ruth’s children Avi and Aida, and their husbands Brahim and Henri are close friends. This intimate Muslim-Jewish coexistence, however, is rapidly unraveling, as families and individuals must make fateful choices about their future.Followed by a party for the holiday of Mimouna, which Moroccan Jews and Muslims celebrate together at the end of Passover.

The Fish Fall in Love
Atieh is passionate about food and runs her small restaurant on the sleepy Caspian coast with great pride. But when Aziz, a former lover, appears after a 20-year absence, he announces his intention to close her restaurant. Atieh prepares his favorite dishes, one after the other, in a desperate effort to change his mind. Loosely based on A Thousand and One Nights, the film uses the language of food to portray life in southern Iran. Presented as part of The Global Lens 2008 Film Series.

Shadya
Like many 17-year-old girls, Shadya Zoabi enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends. But Shadya is also a world champion in karate, a feminist in a male-dominated culture, and a Muslim Arab living in the Galilee. A moving portrait of an independent young woman coming of age, thefilm follows Shadya as she marries and attempts to navigate the social expectations of her husband’s family.

Africa Underground: Democracy in Dakar
In northwest Africa, hip-hop is being used by youth to voice their desire for social change. Looking at the recent Senegalese election through the eyes of hip-hop artists in the capital of Dakar, this documentary mixes interviews, free-styles, and commentary from journalists. Senegalese society is depicted on the brink of democratic change, with hip-hop artists one of the few groups unafraid to speak out despite intimidation.
This screening will be followed by a performance from leading Senegalese hip-hop artists, as well as a discussion about music and social change in Senegal.

Le Cerf Volant (The Kite)
Lamia must cross a checkpoint between Lebanon and Israel to marry a man she has never met. But neither she nor her betrothed are eager to consummate a marriage to a stranger - a matter further complicated by Lamia's admission that she loves an Israeli Arab soldier at the checkpoint. This drama crosses boundaries and depicts a young woman straddling many worlds.Mohammed Harba, curator of the Film Festival, will speak following the screening. Presented as part of The Global Lens 2008 Film Series.