WUNRN
International Documentary Film
Festival
Website Link Includes Film Trailer
Segment.
Moroccan divorcee Khadija works as a camerawoman at weddings in Casablanca. Her mother and brother strongly disagree with her choice of occupation and want her to quit. They're already ashamed enough that Khadija, the mother of an 11-year old son, is living back at home. But Khadija is the breadwinner in the family and she won't back down. She's sometimes out for several days in a row at parties and weddings, working until the early morning. Although a working woman is a taboo in the conservative section of Moroccan society, the demand for female camera operators is big, because families prefer having a woman film their daughters at their wedding. The fairytale world of the average wedding party is a sharp contrast to the reality of divorces and forced marriages. But traditional values are under pressure even in Morocco, with women like Khadija demanding freedom and independence, while also wanting to honor the wishes of their families. Together with her best friend Bouchra, also a divorcee, Khadija talks candidly about the other side of marriage. Alternately joyful and sad, the women wonder aloud why they're still not equal to men.