Shadya Zoabi is like many typical 17-year-old girls. She listens to music and hangs out with her friends. But unlike other girls, Shadya is a karate world champion, a feminist in a male dominated culture and a Muslim Arab who is also an Israeli. This film is Shadya's story, as she journeys from teenage girl to woman, from daughter to wife and from one family to another. Depicting the universal conflict between ambition and tradition, "Shadya" airs on the Emmy Award-winning INDEPENDENT LENS, Tuesday, January 16, 2007, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS. Terrence Howard hosts. Shadya is lucky to have grown up with a father who wanted his daughter to be free to practice karate and develop her talent in the sport to the fullest. Despite her father's support, the social pressure from her brothers and the surrounding community is difficult to overcome. In her brothers' view, a Muslim woman has a specific path in life and is forbidden to stray from this destiny. At the same time, Shadya is grappling with the challenges that Muslims face as citizens of Israel. Shadya's internal conflicts intensify when she meets the Palestinian team at an athletic competition, and when she prepares for marriage at the height of her career. "Shadya" is about the coming of age of a young Muslim woman who desires to succeed on her own terms but who is still committed to life within the Muslim community. Will she succeed in balancing her ambitions after her marriage? Will she stay a world champion? "Shadya" director Roy Westler is a filmmaker who has worked as a writer, editor, cinematographer and director. His films have been aired on the Israeli History Channel, and include promotional films for newspapers and the Israeli Lottery. He recently completed a feature script, Gold Heart, which he plans to produce and direct. Westler has also worked as a film production teacher at two high schools in Israel. Underwriters: Public Television Viewers and PBS.
|
