Amjad Al Rasheed’s first feature film, “Inshallah A Boy,” has taken the film industry by storm since its premiere at Cannes Critics Week. This powerful and thought-provoking film has been making waves on the festival circuit and has even been selected as Jordan’s official submission to the Oscars. Now, it is ready to captivate audiences at the Red Sea International Film Festival with its Arab world premiere.
Starring the brilliant Mouna Hawa, “Inshallah A Boy” follows the journey of a Jordanian housewife who finds herself on the brink of losing everything after her husband’s untimely death. Due to restrictive local laws and customs, women are denied inheritance rights, leaving her at risk of losing her home and even her daughter. Desperate and with her back against the wall, the housewife’s only glimmer of hope is the possibility of giving birth to a son who can then inherit their home.
Co-written by Al Rasheed himself, along with Rula Nasser and Delphine Agut, the story of “Inshallah A Boy” is deeply rooted in personal experience. Al Rasheed drew inspiration from a close relative who found herself in a distressingly similar situation. While this relative was eventually allowed to stay in her home, Al Rasheed couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if her in-laws had refused. This critical question formed the foundation for the powerful narrative of the film, exploring the resistance against oppressive laws and traditions.
“Inshallah A Boy” delves into the struggles faced by women when it comes to inheritance rights. In many parts of the world, archaic laws and deeply ingrained customs deny women the ability to inherit property and assets. This film shines a much-needed light on the injustice and discrimination faced by countless women who are left without any legal recourse. It raises important questions about gender equality and the fight for justice in an increasingly modern and interconnected world.
Through the eyes of the Jordanian housewife portrayed by Mouna Hawa, audiences are taken on a transformative journey of empowerment. Faced with overwhelming adversity, she must find the strength to defy societal norms and fight for her rights. It is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices women make and the incredible resilience they possess. “Inshallah A Boy” serves as a timely reminder that the fight for women’s rights is far from over, and a strong voice is needed to challenge oppressive systems.
With breathtaking cinematography and stellar performances, “Inshallah A Boy” weaves a compelling narrative that lingers in the hearts and minds of its viewers. The film not only brings light to an important social issue but also showcases the immense talent of the cast and crew involved. From the emotive performances to the meticulous attention to detail in capturing the essence of Jordanian culture, this film is an extraordinary testament to the power of storytelling.
A Call for Change
“Inshallah A Boy” is more than just a film; it is a call for change. It challenges society’s preconceived notions and sparks conversations about the urgent need for gender equality. By shedding light on the struggles faced by women in inheritance rights, the film urges viewers to question the inherent biases and discriminatory practices that persist in societies around the world. It is a defiant call to action, inspiring individuals to stand up against injustice and fight for a more inclusive and equitable future.
“Inshallah A Boy” is a groundbreaking film that tackles the pressing issue of women’s inheritance rights. With its deeply personal inspiration and powerful storytelling, it captivates audiences while shedding light on the systemic gender inequalities that persist. This film serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done in the fight for women’s rights and that change begins with acknowledging and challenging deeply entrenched traditions and laws.