Women Who Dare

SYNOPSIS

Women Who Dare explores Turkey and the existence of Eastern/Islamic traditions and Western culture through the lives of its women. This intimate, feauture-length documentary delves into the compelling lives of three women in Istanbul, Belkis, Nur and Banu who juggle Eastern and Western cultures, daily, in her own unique way.

For centuries, Europeans depicted Istanbul and Turkey as a mysterious and exotic destination because of its meandering cobblestone streets, imposing mosques and secret harems. However, the real city and the country are far more interesting, contradictory, vibrant and mysterious than any of its depictions. In the post 9/11 world, if Islam and Western values, tradition and progress can co-exist, were this phenomenon to be realized, the most likely place for it would be Istanbul, and in turn Turkey, as a whole. This march towards global integration has deeply and visibly affected the female population. Women’s lives have become the arena where the values of Islamic tradition and the Western idea of self-determination are played out. It is against this contradictory backdrop – of tradition and individualism – that the women of this documentary thrive.

elkis, Nur and Banu contradict the familiar stereotypes of “Muslim Middle Eastern Women”. Courageous, sharp-witted, and often provocative, they are not afraid to weigh in with opinions on religion, politics, men, gender roles and the Western attitude toward the East. All three women continually push the envelope to live authentic lives in a culture where many women are restricted by the demands of tradition. Nur received her MBA from University of Illinois and now works as a feminist activist. Belkis, a textile artist, was a museum curator for years and Banu is studying for her Master’s degree in Psychology. Belkis and Nur have built illustrious careers and overcame the conflict between their Western education, their family traditions and societal demands. In private, Belkis and Nur air their frustrations with the patriarchal traditions and encourage the younger generations of which Banu is a member, to be less burdened by dictates of tradition.

omen Who Dare is structured in three segments that explore the lives of each women. Through these individual stories, we see the transformation of a society from traditional Islamic patriarchy to a more democratic one where Islamic values can co-exist with democracy and gender equality. The theme of “following one’s dream” is the focus of the film and of these women’s lives. Belkis, Nur, and Banu share the desire of self-discovery and creating a community of their own. Their on-going battle with cultural and societal restrictions helps them to become more confident and compassionate. Much of the drama in Women Who Dare emerges from the loss and suffering and the triumphs of coming into one’s own.

omen Who Dare aims to reveal the complex issues that are faced by educated Muslim women as they embrace modern global values. Women Who Dare will help the Western audience to understand the enormous challenges of tradition these women have to grapple with, as they try to establish their identities.

CURRENT STATUS

omen Who Dare has locked picture and is currently in the sound design phase! We are planning to submit to festivals in August 2009.

Get a sneak peek at the film by clicking here to view the trailer! During a three week trip to Turkey, the filmmakers conducted most of the final interviews and filmed extraordinary footage throughout the country from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Konya, Bodrum and Izmir. Film production on began in Istanbul in 2003, and since that time, interviews have been conducted with several European and Turkish scholars, artists, politicians, high school students, teachers, housewives, feminist activists and our three main characters, Belkis, Nur and Banu. heck out production photos and the latest updates in the news section. n March 2005, Turkish corporation ESBAS donated a generous production grant to the film. Check out our sponsors.