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Crimes of Honour

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Catalogue Number:  BF0016
Producer:  Bishari Films
Producing Agencies:  Bishari Film Productions
Subject:  Documentary, Global Issues, Global Studies, Guidance, Health, Religious Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Women's Studies, World History
Language:  English
Grade Level:  9 - 12, Post Secondary
Country Of Origin:  Canada
Copyright Year:  1999
Running Time:  56:00


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Throughout the Islamic world, each year hundreds of women are shot, stabbed, strangled or burned to death by male relatives because they are thought to have “dishonoured” their families. They may have lost their virginity, refused an arranged marriage or left an abusive husband. Even if a woman is raped or merely the victim of gossip, she must pay the price.

Crimes of Honour documents the terrible reality of femicide – the belief that a girl’s body is the property of the family, and any suggestion of sexual impropriety must be cleansed with her blood. We meet women in hiding from their families, a brother who describes his reasons for killing the sister he loved, and a handful of women who have committed themselves to the protection of young women in danger of losing their lives.

Emmy Award, Outstanding Investigative Journalism

Donald Brittain Award, Social Political Documentary



“A scorcher – a heartscalding exposé”
— The Globe and Mail
“Saywell takes her piercing vision to Jordan and Israel’s West Bank for a harrowing perspective”
— Toronto Star


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