'... presents a fascinating array of film narratives and characterizations. Her critical interpretations reveal how films can reflect socio-political transitions; the voices of filmmakers add authority to the text, as does her personal background in both Islamic and Western cultures. Donmez-Colin shows how cinema may serve either to protect cultural values or to contest them, describing a complex scenario where ... Read morewomen's seemingly passive role in perpetuating traditions may be balanced by their courage in defying them ... underscores the dynamic interplay between cinema and real life in countries where, literally in some cases, women were once dying to go to the movies.' - Times Literary Supplement 'This is one of the few film books I actually want to read. A very necessary examination of Islamic cinema which praises its bolder spirits and doesn't hesitate to criticise those who censor and condemn them.' - Derek Malcolm, chief film critic, London Evening Standard 'The reader is referred to the excellent books that will provide some of this information and insights ... Women, Islam and cinema, and Turkish Cinema: Identity, Distance and Belonging, both by Gonul Donmez-Colin, are wonderful resources.' - Javed Mohammed, Culture Wars Show Less