The Visual Feminist Manifesto

synopsis

This cinematic poem tells an epic tale of being in a woman's body – that of a woman born into a fiercely patriarchal Middle Eastern society. The poetic language of this staged documentary accumulates culturally and politically charged meanings through literary and visual metaphors. The narrative voice in the collective plural becomes an expression of the experiences of countless different women. It speaks of the constant, persistent definition of relationships in relation to men. Of physicality, which brings a moment of identity, sensuality, and a feeling of impurity in the eyes of others. But above all, it speaks of the insistent need to be oneself, in one's own body and world.

“It is inescapable to wonder: were we conceived in love and lust? Or are we daughters of guilt and disgust?” — Tijana Mamula, NERO

biography

Farida Baqi (born 1985) is a Syrian director and producer born in Damascus. Her work focuses on exploring sensitive social issues, particularly in the context of the Middle East. Her films, characterized by their lyrical and emotional expression, reflect on power structures, patriarchy, and the intimate lives of women.

film details

director:	Farida Baqi
cast:	Amal el-Hani
producer:	Sadiq al-Shamali
script:	Farida Baqi
photography:	Janne Ebel
editing:	Anne Kristina Kliem
Line Producer:	Sonja Klümper, Stephanie Khoury