We are thrilled to announce our collaboration as co-producers in the upcoming short film, “In Her Shoes,” produced by II3STUDIOS in partnership with Canadian Arab Institute (CAI). This compelling short film explores the employment barriers encountered by Arab Women in Canada, drawing inspiration from CAI’s research study, “EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS FACING ARAB WOMEN IN CANADA”. The film is both timely and relevant, aiming to shed light on the myths and complexities that hinder Arab women from reaching their full potential and pursuing careers that align with their skills and qualifications. “In Her Shoes” is set to make its international premiere at TIFF Bell Lightbox on September 29th at 6 pm, as part of the Toronto Palestine Film Festival.
What makes “In Her Shoes” truly remarkable is its foundation in the real-life experiences of Arab Women. It tells their stories with the aim of illuminating the issue of Anti-Arab racism and sparking conversations that can lead to meaningful change. The film’s producer and director Mariam Momani, an Arab Woman herself, could deeply empathize with the challenges faced by these women, allowing her to craft a compelling narrative and visuals.
Our decision to join as co-producers was a natural fit for us, as we witnessed firsthand the diverse challenges faced by newcomers and refugees in their settlement and integration journey. By investing in productions that amplify the voices of our community, we aim to create greater awareness and understanding of these struggles. Dima Amad, Executive Director of the Arab Community Centre of Toronto, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “We believe in the power of storytelling to effect change, and ‘In Her Shoes’ aligns perfectly with our mission to empower and uplift the voices of Arab Women.”
We look forward to the premiere of “In Her Shoes” and the impact it will have in promoting a more inclusive and understanding society. Together, we can break down barriers and empower women to reach their full potential.
This project was made possible through the generous support of the Department of Heritage Canada’s Anti-Racism Action Program (ARAP) and is part of CAI’s “Breaking Down to Build Up” Project which aims to raise awareness about the Canadian-Arab community and combat anti-Arab racism by creating media content that dispels the misconceptions surrounding Arab identity in Canada.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Rasha Salman at Rasha.s@acctonline.ca
