WOMEN OF HAMAS

by Suha Arraf

SYNOPSIS

Hamas’ takeover of Gaza turned it into one of the most controversial organizations in the world today. While the most prominent members of the group are men, most of its field work is carried out by cadres of women supporters. These women of Hamas are the most powerful women in the Palestinian territories. Some serve as leaders of the movement, whether as elected representatives in the Palestinian parliament or as ministers in the Hamas government. Others are recognized for their social welfare activities on behalf of children and especially women and for being the mothers of suicide bombers. Suha Arraf obtained unprecedented access to three women who are active members of the organization in Gaza; shining a light on the work of those who spend their life in the shadows.

DETAILS

56 mins

2010

Israel, Palestine, Germany

Arabic

CREDITS

Director: Suha Arraf

Producer: Suha Arraf, Philippa Kowarski

Production Company: Belssan Productions, Cinephil

Cinematographer: Anes Richan

Editor: Oron Adar

Original Soundtrack: Chabib Chana Shhada

Supporters: New Fund for Cinema and Television, SWR Channel Germany

BIOGRAPHY

DIRECTOR - SUHA ARRAF

Suha completed her first studies at the University of Haifa in the field of philosophy and comparative literature, then she studied Anthropology and became involved in the local and international journalism work. Throughout her work, Suha showed a great passion for documentaries by producing and directing a number of short and long documentary films. After that, she studied professional scriptwriting, and in 2014, Suha wrote, directed, and produced her first feature film, Villa Touma, which participated in 84 international festival. She is known for Villa Touma, Lemon Tree (2008), Syrian Bride (2004), and Women of Hamas (2010).

SELECT FESTIVALS

IDFA 2010〡HAIFA FILM FESTIVAL 2010〡FIFDH GENEVA 2010〡LONDON INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL 2010〡PRIMED FRANCE 2012 - BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD〡SALINA DOC FEST 2010 - BEST FILM AWARD〡BIRD'S EYE VIEW FEST 2010 - BEST FILM AWARD〡PLANETE DOC FILM FESTIVAL 2011〡VERA FILM FESTIVAL 2011〡CINEMED 2011〡JI.HLAVA 2011〡

PRESS

"An incredible contribution on many levels, especially because of the access and breadth of a subject matter deemed, well, ‘difficult...’"
- Maryam Monalisa Gharavi, South/South