The Light in Her Eyes

Synopsis

Houda al-Habash, a conservative Muslim preacher, founded a Qur’an school for girls in Damascus 30 years ago. Every summer, her female students immerse themselves in a rigorous study of Islam. A surprising cultural shift is under way—women are claiming space within the mosque. Shot right before the uprising in Syria erupted, The Light in Her Eyes offers an extraordinary portrait of a leader who challenges the women of her community to live according to Islam, without giving up their dreams.

Director Biography

Julia is an artist and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. Her film and video work with David Thorne, has been awarded prizes at the European Media Arts Festival and the Rio de Janeiro Short Film Festival, and has been exhibited at the Whitney Biennial, the Sharjah Biennial, The Toronto International Film Festival, and the Rotterdam International Film Festival.
Laura is currently producing the next Yes Men documentary, The Yes Men Are Revolting, and also produced their festival hit The yes Men Fix The World. Recently, she was a writer on California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown, about the former governor.