DocsBarcelona is bringing the movie 'As I want' all around the city
This September, the International Documentary Film Festival is bringing forward the struggle for the emancipation of Egyptian women in different cinemas, libraries and civic centres.
Last May, the International Documentary Film Festival DocsBarcelona celebrated its 2021 edition. The movie Como yo quiera (As I want), with the eloquent subtitle Cuando las mujeres toman la calle (When women take the streets), premiered at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB). Now, the festival's organisers have rescheduled it within the Docs del Mes section, so it can be screened again throughout September in several cinemas, libraries and civic centres in the city.
The so-called Arab Spring brought changes and freedom to many North African countries, including Egypt. Nevertheless, it is often forgotten that numerous gang rapes took place during January of 2011 in the mass demonstration in Cairo's Tahrir Square. The women's outrage sparked a massive protest to defend their rights – knife in hand. Film director Samaher Alqadi was on the frontline to capture a women's revolution unnoticed by the media. While filming, Alqadi got pregnant, leading her to reflect on marriage, motherhood and the limits of individual freedom.
Alqadi is an up-and-coming voice of documentary filmmaking in the Middle East. Through a highly personal narrative, she explains her painful childhood memories to illustrate the obstacles faced by many girls in Muslim societies. Alqadi herself grew up in the Jazalone refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Her bravery to explore the roots of gender inequality crosses borders and strikes a blow at the patriarchy with the camera turned into a weapon of self-defence.
The movie will be available in V.O. with Catalan subtitles on September 2 at 7 pm at Cinemes Girona. You can buy your ticket for 6 euros at the box office. Starting on August 31 at 11 am, members of Club TRESC can get an invitation here.
On September 13 and 27, there will be free screenings at the Esquerra de l'Eixample - Agustí Centelles Library; on September 15 and 30, at the Vilapicina i la Torre Llobeta Library; and on the September 30 at 7.30 pm, at the Centre Cívic Ateneu Fort Pienc.