Reel Palestine brings you THE JUDGE, the documentary was an official selection at TIFF earlier this year and it was nominated at the San Francisco International Film Fest, Cleveland International Film Fest & Doc NYC. Don't miss the powerful story of Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih, the first woman appointed to a Shari’a court in the Middle East. The film screens Jan 19 & 25 only. “[Judge Kholoud] emerges as someone who’s no threat to religious law, but who’s a real problem for patriarchy.” — NEW YORK TIMES “It’s impossible not to be impressed by Kholoud Al-Faqih” — VARIETY Tickets are now available for sale at Cinema Akil's box office and www.cinemaakil.com from 01/01/2019. Tickets are AED 52.5 (VAT included). THE JUDGE Directed by: Erika Cohn 2017 | PG | Docudrama | Arabic | 81’ A vérité legal drama about Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih, the first woman appointed to a Shari’a court in the Middle East, whose career provides rare insights into both Islamic law and gendered justice. When she was a young lawyer, Kholoud Al-Faqih walked into the office of Palestine’s Chief Justice and announced she wanted to join the bench. He laughed at her. But just a few years later, Kholoud became the first woman judge to be appointed to the Middle East’s Shari’a (Islamic law) courts. THE JUDGE offers a unique portrait of Judge Kholoud—her brave journey as a lawyer, her tireless fight for justice for women, and her drop-in visits with clients, friends, and family. With unparalleled access to the courts, THE JUDGE presents an unfolding vérité legal drama, with rare insight into both Islamic law and gendered justice. In the process, the film illuminates some of the universal conflicts in the domestic life of Palestine—custody of children, divorce, abuse—while offering an unvarnished look at life for women and Shari’a. Notes: *Schedules are subject to change, please check www.cinemaakil.com for the most up-to-date schedule **Tickets are AED 50 + VAT and are available for sale at the box office and online on our website www.cinemaakil.com ***Age restrictions may apply due to the nature and suitability of the film. At our discretion and in accordance with regulations, we reserve the right to request proof of ID and you will be asked to leave if you are under the required age. About Cinema Akil Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to the audiences in the UAE. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across the decades, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts. Launched in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held over 60 pop-up cinemas attracting over 35,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. In September 2018, Cinema Akil opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai making it the GCC’s first arthouse cinema. Cinema Akil’s flagship home is brought to you in partnership with Alserkal Avenue. Cinema Akil is a member of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS) which includes members from the MENA region such as Metropolis in Beirut, Zawya in Cairo and Cinematheque du Tangier in Morocco. Follow us into the dark. www.cinemaakil.com // Facebook - Cinema Akil // Twitter - @CinemaAkil // Instagram - @CinemaAkil #fortheloveoffilm #followusintothedark #cinemaakil #alserkalavenue #dubai #uae About Reel Palestine Reel Palestine is an annual film festival showing a selection of alternative Palestinian films in the United Arab Emirates. The not-for-profit and volunteer-based organization was set up by group of friends in Dubai in 2014 and launched its first pop-up festival in January 2015 with the purpose of showing Palestinian culture and tenacity through film, submerging viewers in the beautiful, difficult, emotional, and inspirational moments that occur under occupation. www.reelpalestine.org // Facebook - Reel Palestine // Instagram - @Reelpalestine #reelpalestine #palestine #dubai #uae