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Me and the Mosque
Description
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. In North America, a large
number of converts are women. Many are drawn to the religion because of its
emphasis on social justice and spiritual equality between the sexes.
Ironically many mosques force women to pray behind barriers away from
the men, and some mosques do not even permit women to enter the building. When
it comes to user-friendliness for women, Canadian mosques run the entire gamut.
In Me and the Mosque, journalist and filmmaker Zarqa
Nawaz visits mosques throughout Canada and talks to scholars, colleagues,
friends and neighbours about equal access for women.
Discussions about the historical role of women in the Islamic faith, the
current state of mosques in Canada and personal stories of anger, fear,
acceptance and defiance punctuate the film. And Nawaz herself speaks of the
spiritual longing that comes from belonging to an institution that doesn't
want you.
With original animation, archival footage and deeply personal
interviews, Me and the Mosque is a smart, self-aware and
whimsical story that documents the debates and presents the personalities on
all sides of the issue.
Me and the Mosque was produced as part of the Reel
Diversity Competition for emerging filmmakers of colour. Reel Diversity is a
National Film Board of Canada initiative in partnership with CBC Newsworld.
2005, 52 min 45 s
Awards
Honorable Mention - Category: Religion
International Film and Video Festival
November 7 to 12 2006, Columbus - USA
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