NILOOFAR

Directed By Sabine El Gemayel

Review By: Kim Jindra

NILOOFAR is the moving story of a beautiful and inquisitive 12 year old Iraqi girl
who is sold by her father to the local sheik for a plot of land.

Niloo's mother is the village midwife.  She is training Niloo to take her place.  But Niloo studies in secret and dreams of going to a university and becoming a doctor.

Her father sees the barter of his daughter as a quick way to 'easy street'.  At first, Niloo's mother explodes over the trade, primarily because the child has not even reached puberty, but soon resigns herself because the family's honor is at stake.
 
Niloo is angry and incredulous. I totally identified with the performance of Mobina Ayenedar as she grew from an innocent child to a betrayed young woman. I found myself cheering for the uncle who finds a way to help her. 

It is hard to believe this kind of situation still exists in our world, but clearly it does. First time film director Sabine El Gamayel proves she has a knack for exposing the harsh realities of Muslim culture and the status of women in a sensitive and thought provoking way. I am anxious to see her next project.