Set through the eyes of empowered women the documentary portrays the stories of Muslims from around the world who tell their stories about their decisions to wear the veil or not. Complimented by historical context presented by leading specialists and academics, the documentary seeks to introduce the audience to a choice of clothing that has had much mis-representation over the years and lay the facts bare about the Hijab.
Among the guests arriving to the special red carpet event on Monday at Hampstead’s Everyman cinema were British Model and actress Suki Waterhouse, Designer and Tank Magazine’s Executive Director, Caroline Issa; HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s Minister for Culture, Youth & Social development and UAE Ambassador to London H.E Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee. Guests were entertained for an hour before the screening by Arabic Oud musician Sherin Al Tohamy Mohammed and treated to a special exhibition of works of art by Emirati artist Amira Rahim.
HH Sheikh Nahyan said after the event “I was pleased because I think the film enlightened people to the origins of what the hijab represents and that there are different opinions on the issue. It emphasised the subject matter should be applied with discretion and that women have the choice to wear it or not.”
Caroline Issa added “I found the documentary fascinating, any film exploring the hijab and the veil is important but I found this one really educational and eye opening.”
Anasy media plans to tour the documentary at festivals around the world and producers are currently in discussions with a number of distributors in various territories.
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Directors: Ovidio Salazar (On Location), Nahla Al Fahad & Mazen Al Khayrat (Post-production)
Producer: Sheikha Al Yazia bint Nahyan Al Nahyan
Script: Mazen Al Khayrat & Stephenie Dopferah
Post-production: Beyond Studios, Dubai, UAE
Director Of Photography: Samir Karam
Note to Editors:
Anasy Media:
Founded by Sheikha Alyazia Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi in 2007. Anasy Media, an independent production company, has produced numerous documentaries notably the first film to document the 150,000 year old history of the UAE and the first 3D film in the region. The company also established the first Documentary Awards in the region and the Abu Dhabi Documentary club.
