Palestinian Reviews Reviews

Documentary Review: The Judge (2018) by Erika Cohn

It is a cliché to make movies on what makes all the difference when one is passionate about their work. But what if among the many who consider work as just a chore, there are a genuine few who find the meaning of life?

The Judge” is screening at London Palestine Film Festival

This preface in no way describes the crux of the documentary, but it is what I could relate personally and charmed me into submission. Press around the world has nothing but praises for this work and same goes for the many film festivals.

Palestine is always linked to war and terrorism. And one wonders how normal the place actually is. And this documentary answers it with a plethora of normal people touched by an extraordinary life.

Kholoud Al-Faqih is an advocate who wants to be a judge in the Sharia court. In Palestine, civil and criminal cases are heard in a court which follows law of the state, but family cases are presided over by a separate court which follows the Sharia law. When Kholoud mentions about her wish to the then Judge, he first thinks she is joking. But once he realizes that her intentions are sincere, the only hurdle is whether the Islamic law permits a woman to become a judge or not. Step by step, things get addressed and even with some sceptics and unhappy clerics around, Kholoud is appointed as a judge in Sharia court. It is her life as a judge and how she uses this as an opportunity to help other women understand their rights and encourage them to consider being a judge as a profession, is what this docu-movie is all about.

From choosing her professional attire to how she carries herself at work, there is compassion, kindness, boldness and forthrightness which are essential for a judge; something that comes naturally to this woman.

The unobtrusive and natural direction by ensures that all are at ease in front of the camera. Frank and candid conversations which need to reach the rest of the world are generously incorporated. Camera captures the day to day life of the Judge without ceremony and the aerial views of Palestine without the shadow of war looming, gives the impression of things moving forward. Lighting has been used well with bright scenes adding to the mostly cheerful disposition.

Law prescribed by religion and the surrounding patriarchal society are covered in numerous interviews. Towards the end, Kholoud says that her next goal is to become the Chief Justice. It is steps like these which one person takes that opens door for others in future and makes inroads into the annals of history. And ‘The Judge' leaves it to you to judge for yourself.

About the author

Arun Krishnan

My affection for the television screen started in childhood. I was blamed for being oblivious to my surroundings once the screen came to life. A badge i carry with me even today and has only naturally extended to the big screen. Moving picture is an amalgamation of all art forms that came before it. And to read, think, talk and write about it a pleasure all in itself. In short, this is my kind of fun.

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