It's the story of a bold, brave lady in Palestine, Kholoud al-Faqih, who sits as a judge in the Sharia court dealing with domestic issues.
She's wise, patient and thoughtful and she's the first woman ever to sit on the court. Ultimately she wants to be a chief justice. She's a problem for the patriarchy.
She's been a judge now for years, working in a world that has only respected the minds of men for centuries.
Women? They let their emotions get in the way, says one grey-haired gentleman who clearly dismisses the women who are on the earth to bear children and serve their husbands.
His opinions reflect those of much of the culture, people who are surprised when their case comes before a female judge.
Fortunately, Kholoud's father and mother believed in her education, arming her for success with schooling.
They recognized that she needed the means to care for herself.
So she became a lawyer and she studied and learned.
She took the test required for judgeship and passed.
Then she began mentoring others.
For years now she has parceled out justice to women seeking divorce from an abusive husband, required the husband to provide support, protected women from reprisals.
She's a mother, a wife (to a husband who also is a lawyer and a best friend), a trail blazer and a remarkable example of someone who want to effect change.
It's a story captured on film by Erika Cohn in the courtroom, in Kholoud's home, in the Palestinian neighborhoods and on the streets.
Cohn interviewed Judge Kholoud and her family, her husband, her associates and her teacher (who is actually opposed to women sitting on the court).
She skillfully captures the Islamic culture, the people, the frustrations, the friendships and the kinds of mountains Kholoud is trying to climb.
Here is a film that ought to get plenty of exposure and Kholoud deserves a hero's respect as she breaks ground for women while serving justice and honor.
Here is the trailer: https://www.thejudgefilm.com/
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