WUNRN
Women Make Movies - WMM
VOICES UNVEILED: TURKISH WOMEN WHO
DARE - FILM
Link to Film Segment:
Voices
Unveiled: Turkish Women Who Dare
A
film by Binnur
Karaevli
US/Turkey,
2010, 69 minutes, Color, DVD, English, Subtitled
Can
Islamic values co-exist with full equality for women? VOICES UNVEILED examines
this timely issue through portraits of three women pursuing life paths and
careers of their own choosing in present-day Turkey.
Each has defied social expectations in a democratic, secular nation where
religious fundamentalism has re-emerged as a political force and patriarchal
values still prevail. Well-known textile artist Belkis Belpinar, whose work
combines science and kilim rug traditions, resisted her father’s wishes that
she study engineering. Dancer and psychologist Banu Yucelar braved family
opposition to modern dance, widely perceived as a form of prostitution. Women’s
rights activist Nur Bakata Mardin helps women in underserved communities, where
old beliefs hold sway, form small business cooperatives.
As engaging as its subjects, VOICES UNVEILED punctuates its in-depth portraits
with insights from other Turks and lively discussions that include
intergenerational debates over veiling. The film is a valuable companion to
WOMEN OF TURKEY, which offers a different take on gender roles that embrace
modern lifestyles and Islamic culture.