The Judge
Description
Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih became the first female appointed to any of the Middle East’s Shari’a courts in 2009, challenging longstanding traditions and customs of women’s roles in society. Constantly battling controversy over her position, Al-Faqih offers guidance, mentorship, and support both in and outside the courts. In this intimate portrait, director Erika Cohn captures the determined and compassionate judge as she strives to achieve justice in a system that so often does not favor women.
“While the film is culturally specific, its topic is globally ubiquitous. Its narrative quickly escalates beyond courtroom drama conventions, offering shocking and distressing revelations. As the story unfolds, The Judge matures into a vigorous social critique of the country’s prevalent chauvinism. It reveals the stories of horrific abuse perpetuated against Palestinian women and reveals the juridical negligence concerning women’s issues. The Judge authenticates the need for women like Faqih in Palestine’s justice system.” – Anastasia Akulinina, POV Magazine
Trailer
Biographies
Bay Area filmmaker Erika Cohn won a 2009 DGA Student Film Award for Best Woman Student Filmmaker for When Voices Fade. She received a 2017 Outstanding Business and Economic Documentary Emmy for the feature In Football We Trust, which she co-directed and produced. Variety named her one of 2017’s Top 10 Documakers to Watch. Cohn’s next project is Belly of the Beast, an SFFILM fiscally sponsored documentary about women fighting reproductive injustice. “I’m a filmmaker first and foremost, and I’m driven to tell stories about characters. Cinema vérité films and films that address social justice topics very much appeal to me.” (Seventh Row)