Welcome السلام عليكم
Hello and welcome to the site for the first documentary feature film by Leila Jarman and Elspeth Dehnert, Radio Intifada. This site is dedicated to spreading the word about the film and learning more about the fight for women's equality in the Middle East.
At a time when the Middle East and the Western world are in a state of tragic disharmony it is important to humanize and highlight the struggle and perseverance of the many who stand up against corruption and inequality. For women in the Middle East, pursuing professions or hobbies that are usually geared towards men is a huge step for the autonomy and self-sufficiency of women in the region. Sharing the story of these women is sure to inspire women all over the world to stand up and speak out against gender-based prejudices and to learn about their rights and privileges despite societal obstacles. This film also proposes a means to bridge the ever-widening cultural gap between the Middle East and the West in a time when such efforts are greatly in need. Most importantly, however, this film aims to recognize and foster an attitude of respect for women in the Middle East who make risky efforts and commitments to promote gender-equality and who are taking the steps needed to change social circumstances.
Munira, who is 24, and Asma, who is 25, are radio revolutionaries. Despite the government’s crackdown, they run an all women radio station in the Jordan Valley, a place neglected by most government programs. Having no formal journalistic training, these women have surpassed all expectations of two young women from a traditional background. They produce and broadcast an all-women radio program from Amman to the Jordan Valley—a rural, tribal dominated, and neglected region in Jordan—and have managed to get on air with five broadcasts every week for three years.
"We are in terrible need for a voice to express our feelings as girls living in a community ruled by old customs and traditions that sometimes hinder a girl's ambitions." – Anwar, a young girl and listener from the Jordan Valley.
“At first there were men who refused to be interviewed by us. They would say, ‘You are women, and laugh in our faces.’- Munira al-Shatti.
Because we are trying to make this film independently, we are currently trying to raise money to cover some of the basic costs of shooting overseas. Check out some of the links below to see how you can get involved and learn more about with the women's movement in Jordan and the Middle East!
Recent News and Links
12/31/09-New News!
Since arriving in Jordan and continuing our research on women in the region, the film has expanded its subjectmatter! We are now covering a few remarkable stories of women who are truly changing the rules. There are some new additions to this page so look around and keep your eyes out for our official site coming soon after the new year! We have also been approached by a well known Jordanian production company who is interested in co-production. This would be an incredible step for the film! We'll keep you updated!
12/2/09- 18 Days Till Shooting Begins!
Thank you all for your donations and support! We are getting closer to our fundraising goal but still have quite a way to go. Please continue to get the word out about this film. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. We have even been contacted by a few film festivals in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas who are anticipating the completion of the film based on word of mouth. Make sure to keep updated on our Facebook page and keep checking back here for updates once we start shooting from December 20th onward!! Thanks again!!
11/13/2009- Kickstarter and Facebook Group Launched!
Check out our movie on Kickstarter, a fundraising platform site for people trying to get their projects made! Also, join our Facebook Group if you haven't already done so. You will receive updates and other information through both of these sites! Check out the links below!
11/9/2009-Official Shoot Date Set!
Thanks to everyone's support and the donations that have been coming in!! We have been able to put some of the money towards preliminary transcribing and translations which has been a great help. Leila arrives in Amman on December 10th and shooting will begin on the 20th of December. Please keep the donations coming! Thanks so much for the kind words and support. We really appreciate it.
10/15/09-We've Started Filming!
Elspeth has been conducting the interviews in Amman and has nothing but positive feedback. Soon she'll travel to the Jordan Valley to witness Asma and Munira's daily routines and to meet some of the women of the region who are inspired weekly by the radio program. Look out for more updates on filming!
10/14/2009 - New Site Launch
On 10/14/2009, we launched our new website. We invite you to take a look around the website. We've got links to various news articles, bios, and the objective of making this film. Please spread the word and tell your friends and family to get involved with the cause.
The Natonal Article about the women and their radio program.
MEDIASCAPE Article about the Jordanian government's refusal to issue the women a license.
Huffington Post Article about the radio program and media censorship in Jordan.
Boing Boing Article on media censorship.
Al Jazeera Article on First all women's de-mining team in Jordan.
Queen Rania interview on YouTube about women in Islam Part 1 and Part 2.
EuroNews YouTube video about women in Jordan.
WorldFocus YouTube video about the Jordanian economy and women in the workplace.