Crimes of Honour
A film by Shelley Saywell
Across the Islamic world, hundreds of women are shot, stabbed, strangled or burned to death each year by their male relatives, because they are thought to have dishonored their families by engaging in unacceptable relationships. Filmed in Jordan and on the West Bank, CRIMES OF HONOUR documents the terrible reality of femicide—the killing of sisters or daughters suspected of losing their virginity, for having refused an arranged marriage or having left a husband. Even if a woman is raped, abused, or is the victim of gossip, she may pay the terrible price.
Rania Arafat fled from her home after falling in love with a man her family did not approve of. Afraid of violence, she lived in hiding. Eventually, after promises of forgiveness and a new beginning, believing in the words of her mother and father, Rania agreed to return—though only after meeting at a police station, where one of her brothers signed a document promising not to harm her. But instead of a joyous reunion, Rania was murdered, shot in the head by another brother while on the way home. She was still a virgin.
CRIMES OF HONOUR tells the stories of women like Rania, hiding from their families, fearing for their lives, as well as the men who commit femicide. One such man, interviewed in prison, discusses his reasons for murdering his sister.
Femicide, although having no basis in Islamic teachings, is on the rise in some countries. CRIMES OF HONOUR delves into class and religious issues that infuse the debate, as well as the possible origins of femicide.
But some women are fighting for change. CRIMES OF HONOUR profiles three women committed to human rights, who attempt to provide protection and assistance to those in danger. Rana Husseini, an award winning reporter for the Jordan Times, investigates the crimes, documents and reports on the stories of terrified young women. Jordanian Human Rights Lawyer Asma Khader fights in the courts to protect threatened women, and for longer prison sentences for those guilty of femicide (Judges often hand down sentences as short as a year). And, Professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kervorkian founded the Women's Work Center for Legal Aid and Counseling in the West Bank. Here she provides aid and counseling to frightened women with no place to turn.
This wrenching new film captures the horrific tragedy of this practice, personal reactions to it, and examines the wider societal response. From the courthouses to the jails to the hiding places of terrified young women, the film puts before the viewer the horrific facts, and the accounts of three women fighting to end CRIMES OF HONOUR.
"Serious and memorable... A well researched documentary. The stories recorded are chilling."- Feminist Collections Quarterly
"Shelley Saywell takes her piercing vision to Jordan and Israel's West Bank for a harrowing perspective on how many women have no rights and no protection."- Toronto Star
"A powerful exploration of crimes in the name of Islamic family honor that reveals the destructive cultural undertow of a segment of the lower socio-economic classes in Jordan and the West Bank…. This stirring cultural snapshot on the eve of change is highly recommended as it will promote discussion in a variety of areas associated with Women's Studies and Cultural Studies, as well as Anthropology and Sociology."- Educational Media Reviews Online
"A scorcher… a heartscalding expose of blithe murder.">b>- Critical List
2000 National Women's Studies Association Film Festival
1999 Middle Eastern Studies Association FilmFest
Criminal Justice, Human Rights, Islam, Jordan, Law, Middle East, Palestine, Women's Health, Women's Studies
The Films of Shelley Saywell
Grassroots in Dry Lands
Tells the story of three unconventional social workers united by a common vision that transcends the antagonisms between their countries.
Bastards: Outcast in Morocco
One woman's fight to have her daughter legitimized by the Moroccan judicial system.
War and Love in Kabul
Hossein's and Shaima's love is a story about honor, tribal laws, disgrace, fear, and hope for change in a war-ravaged Afghanistan.