WUNRN
Women Make Movies
Morocco - Morchidat - First Trained
Women Religious Leaders - Film
CASABLANCA CALLING - FILM Segment:
As
political conflict and change sweep the Arab world, CASABLANCA CALLING - 2014
film - highlights a quiet social revolution under way in Morocco, where 60% of
the women have never attended school. For the first time, Moroccan women are
trained and employed as official Muslim leaders or morchidat. Charged with
teaching an Islam based on tolerance, compassion and equality, they provide
vital support and guidance to communities, especially to girls and women.
At the film’s heart are Hannane, Bouchra and Karima, three morchidat assigned
to mosques in different parts of Morocco. CASABLANCA CALLING follows them for a
year on rounds to schools and other sites to provide advice on marriage and
employment; champion education for girls and women; caution against early
marriage; and help resolve personal problems. Offering unique access to a story
we rarely see, this illuminating documentary demonstrates how women’s
empowerment through moderate Islam is transforming a nation.
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