Two young women in Iraq have made life choices that put them in constant peril, but they are sticking to these choices, and to each other.

Interview with Director Marilyn Agrelo

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was in Iraq on a cultural exchange conducting storytelling workshops. While there I met two young women who stood out from all the other female students at their university. They were the only ones dressed in western clothes and more surprisingly, not wearing the hijab. I had to speak to them and find out why. After a few minutes of conversation I realized that I wanted to get them on camera – they were incredibly outspoken and courageous. The girls (whose names are not disclosed to protect their identities) speak of desperately wanting the ability to speak freely, enjoy themselves and dress as they please. These desires are unremarkable and common to women everywhere, but the circumstances these girls live under are unique to the Islamic world.

This film was spontaneous. I did not go there with the intention of making a film, but am so grateful that I was fortunate enough to meet these wonderful young women, and that they were open to sharing their thoughts with me.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I believe we often take our own freedoms for granted, and don’t realize how precious the simple act of expressing yourself can be to someone who is not allowed to. It’s very rare to hear a woman in a Muslim country be so outspoken as these young women are. When we hear the characters in this film describe the world they live in and how they’ve chosen to live in it, we’re surprised – not only by their independence but by their similarity to us. When we see visuals from the Iraq of the past, we’re surprised again at how similar this now alien world was to ours.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The Arab world is so misunderstood in the west. There’s fear and mistrust on both sides. But – there are also human longings that we all share on either end of this divide. We all want to fall in love freely, to express ourselves and move about with no limitations. Women in the west don’t face the restrictions of an Islamic society, but even we are still grappling with issues of gender equality. This is also a powerful story of friendship, which is valued across the world.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Most people who have seen Good Muslim Girls were surprised at how connected they felt with these two characters. Also, seeing that Iraq was once a secular country aroused much discussion and, I think, some people’s initial opinions of young Arabs has been challenged.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

No, what challenged and surprised me was coming into contact with young Iraqis of both genders and hearing what they had to say. Everything about them was surprising. They have endured so much and continue to do so, yet their desire for a better future is very strong. This is often in conflict with an increasingly conservative culture.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I would like this film to have a robust life in the international film festival circuit. Unfortunately, because these young women are not identified and I have concerns about their safety, I am not seeking distribution at this time.

There is interest in developing this film into a stage play, which would make me incredibly happy.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would love this film to challenge people’s preconceptions of the Arab world, and in particular, the women in it. If it shifts opinion enough to spark a dialog, I will feel that it served its purpose.

What are you developing or working on now?

I have several non fiction projects in development, and am launching on a documentary feature this fall. Currently I am directing commercials and various television projects.

Interview: August 2016

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Good Muslim Girls

Two young women in Iraq have made life choices that put them in constant peril, but they are sticking to these choices, and to each other.

Length: 7:51

Director: Marilyn Agrelo

Producer: Amy Sewell

About the director and producer:

Marilyn Agrelo - Director

Marilyn’s directorial debut was Mad Hot Ballroom, followed by An Invisible Sign. She has directed numerous commercials, branded content films, television and digital media productions.

Amy Sewell – Producer

Amy co-produced Mad Hot Ballroom, followed by What’s Your Point, Honey? She is a published author. Sewell is currently an executive at Women Make Movies.