Watch The Light In Her Eyes

The Light In Her Eyes is a 2011 documentary film that was directed and produced by Julia Meltzer and Laura Nix. The movie tells the story of Houda al-Habash, a charismatic Muslim preacher who runs a Quranic school for girls in Syria. Set in the ancient city of Damascus, the film offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of young girls who are being taught the principles of Islam by Houda al-Habash, a pioneering female religious leader. The documentary is a portrait of a woman who is both a traditionalist and a feminist, and who is striving to broaden the horizons of her students by encouraging them to question the patriarchal attitudes that prevail in traditional Islamic societies.

The Light In Her Eyes seeks to explore the complexities of Islamic faith and culture, and to shine a light on the role of women in traditional Muslim societies. The documentary is structured around interviews with Houda al-Habash, as well as with some of her students and their parents. Through these conversations, viewers come to understand the challenges that Houda faces as a woman who is trying to pursue her religious calling in a society that is deeply patriarchal.

The documentary uses a variety of techniques to capture the atmosphere of Houda's Quranic school, which is known as the "Women's Mosque." It shows us the girls as they read and memorize sections of the Quran, as they discuss the meaning of the verses, and as they debate the role of women in Islam. We see Houda as she coaches the girls, and as she delivers sermons on the importance of faith and the need for women to be active participants in the world.

One of the most powerful themes of The Light In Her Eyes is the tension that exists between tradition and modernity in Islamic societies. Houda's school is a microcosm of this tension, as she tries to balance the requirements of the Quran with the need to cultivate an independent spirit in her students. At times, this balance is difficult to maintain, and Houda faces criticism from those who believe that she is promoting an overly liberal interpretation of Islam.

The documentary also touches on the broader political and social issues that are affecting Syria during the time of filming. Houda and her students are shown to be living in a society that is undergoing rapid change, and they must navigate their way through a landscape that is characterized by political upheaval, sectarian violence, and cultural flux. The film provides some insight into the lives of young women living in a country that is struggling to find its footing in a changing world.

In many ways, The Light In Her Eyes is a celebration of the power of education, and of the transformative effect that knowledge can have on young people's lives. Houda's school is not just a place of learning, but also a refuge from the tumultuous world outside. The girls who attend the school are shown to form close bonds with each other and with Houda, and to develop a sense of purpose and empowerment through their studies.

Ultimately, The Light In Her Eyes is much more than a documentary about a Quranic school in Syria. It is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between Islam and women, and a tribute to the courage and resilience of the young women who are striving to find their place in a rapidly changing world. The film leaves viewers with a sense of optimism about the future, and a renewed faith in the power of education to effect positive change.

In conclusion, The Light In Her Eyes is a powerful and engaging documentary film that offers viewers a unique perspective on the lives of young women in Syria. The film is a testament to the importance of education and to the resilience of the human spirit, and it provides some valuable insights into the challenges that women face in traditional Islamic societies.

The Light In Her Eyes is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.