Nazrah: A Muslim Woman's Perspective 2003
Distributed by Arab Film Distribution, 10035 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125; 206-322-0882
Produced by Farah Nousheen
Directed by Farah Nousheen
VHS, color, 55 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Women's Studies, Religious Studies
Date Entered: 06/07/2005
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgNazrah: A Muslim Woman's Perspective is a bland documentary. Muslim women, either from or now living in North America, specifically North West United States, express their opinions on Muslim culture and Islam. What is impressive is the freedom with which they expound, not sounding at all rehearsed, but conclusions arrived at, and not dictated. There is no contradiction felt between independence and gender separation. Converts explain their initial attraction to Islam, and the liberation it offers them. They explain that the covering of their bodies does not equal oppression, but a determination of a Muslim woman's role in Muslim society. They all stress the unifying force of Islam. Ultimately, the success of the film depends on what these individual opinions reveal to the viewing audience and the effectiveness of the revelations. Most of those viewers would likely turn off long before the completed 55 minutes.
Awards:
- 2003 Best Film Producer, National Association of Muslim Women