In popular Western imagination, a Muslim woman in a veil – or hijab – is a symbol of Islamic oppression. But what does it mean for women’s freedom when a democratic country forbids the wearing of the veil? In this provocative documentary, filmmaker Diana Ferrero portrays the struggle of two women – one in France and one in Iran – to express themselves freely.
In 2004, the French government instituted an "anti-veil law," forbidding Muslim girls from wearing the hijab to school. Samah, a teenager in Paris who, at 14 decided to wear the veil, explains how the law attacks her sense of identity – and does not make her feel liberated. “Who says that freedom is not wearing anything on your head?” she asks. Half a world away in Tehran, “K,” forced to wear the hijab by the Islamic regime, defiantly wears it her own way – and her translucent scarf loosely draped over her hair puts her at risk of arrest. When Ferrero films her at home, K, comfortable in a tank top and shorts, says, “They call me Muslim... But do you see me as a Muslim? What do you have in your mind for a Muslim person?” Beautifully shot and finely crafted, THEY CALL ME MUSLIM highlights how women still must struggle for the right to control their own bodies – not only under theocratic regimes, but also in secular, democratic countries where increasing discrimination against Muslims and sexism intersect.
"Deep and compelling…an intimate experience with two very different Muslim women…but united in their humanity…Appeals to anyone interested in moving beyond shallow stereotypes and into a real experience of modern Muslim women today.” Sandy Tolan NPR contributor, and author of The Lemon Tree
“Breaks with Western stereotypes of veiled Muslim women as passive objects by revealing the role of modern nation-states…in disciplining women’s bodies through the imposition of unveiling or veiling.” Minoo Moallem Gender and Women’s Studies, US Berkeley
"Helps bridge the ever widening abyss between Muslims and the rest of world." Orville Schell Dean, Graduate School of Journalism, UC Berkeley
“…Successfully challenges popular assumptions about women and Islam.” Charlotte Mangin Television Producer, Wide Angle Thirteen, WNET
“Two women’s personal stories that help to bring a universal understanding about women and hijabs in the world today.” Bruni Burres Film Festival Director, Human Rights Watch
“…illuminating…deepens our understanding of the complex life-worlds of Muslim women and girls…” Trica D. Keaton Institute for Global Studies, University of MN, Twin Cities
“…an interesting and very timely documentary exploring the semantic versatility relating to wearing the hijab.” Faegheh Shirazi Author of “The Veil Unveiled”, Assoc. Prof of Middle Eastern Studies, Austin UT
“This video is an important addition to the discourse of religious discrimination and feminist issues, and should be in all school libraries. Recommended.” Caron Knauer Educational Media Reviews Online
Citation
Main credits
Ferrero, Diana (film producer)
Ferrero, Diana (film director)
Ferrero, Diana (editor of moving image work)
Ferrero, Diana (director of photography)
