Documentary titled 'The Tainted Veil' ready for screening

Anasy Media, a UAE-based production company, has completed the post-production of the documentary, its first international short film.

Abu Dhabi - A documentary highlighting the historical context of women from various religions and societies around the world covering their hair over the centuries is getting ready for a private screening on June 15 at the Everyman Cinema, Hampstead, London.

The documentary titled The Tainted Veil, co-directed by US filmmaker Ovidio Salazar, Emirati director Nahla Al Fahad and Syrian director Mazen Al Khayrat, is seen as an attempt to soften the ongoing controversies surrounding the Muslim veil.

Anasy Media, a UAE-based production company, has completed the post-production of the documentary, its first international short film.

The documentary features interviews with a varied selection of Muslims from Europe and the Mena region who discuss their reasons for choosing to wear, or not to wear the veil, as well as commentary from leading Muslim and non-Muslim specialists on Islamic culture and history.

Executive producer of the documentary, Shaikha Al Yazia bint Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, said : “Head covering is a recurring topic in most places. It is a social issue that needed to be looked at a wide perspective and there is a lack of debate regarding the ways and reasons behind the veil. The Tainted Veil presents discussions surrounding the hijab for those searching for a better understanding.”

Nahla Al Fahad, one of the UAE’s most recognised female directors, said that The Tainted Veil is her first attempt in the international level.

Al Fahad said: “I think we all need to calm down a little about this small piece of cloth, there are so many misconceptions and stereotypes attached to the veil. So it is important to give access to real people and their opinions on wearing the veil.”

Al Khayrat said: “The unknown is what raises our interest and obscurity is behind agitation and troubles, it becomes a fear of what is different. The Tainted Veil is a discussion of knowledge of a certain topic, without adopting the cause itself, roaming through the interconnected ideas in history, religion and people to reveal a truth and the facts.”

Salazar is a veteran documentary filmmaker from California, known for his work on documentaries including Journey to Makkah starring Sir Ben Kingsley as narrator and Al Ghazali, The Alchemist of Happiness.

Anasy Media is organising the private screening of the documentary to VIPs members of the press and industry in London.

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