Veil of Dreams: Women's Soccer and Islamic Tradition in Iran (DVD)

Western society's view of women in sports is very different from eastern countries, such as Iran. This documentary explores Iranian culture and customs and the impact they have on women's soccer in that strictly Muslim country.

This program takes an in-depth look at the Iranian National Women's soccer team, challenging that traditional view and fighting to be able to play the game they love. Through interviews with a variety of regional leaders, community members, family members, and players filmmakers explore varying viewpoints and opinions, looking at all sides of the issue. They also seek to explain the customs, beliefs, and laws that govern women's activities in the country of Iran such as wearing the chador (a type of jacket) and hijab (headdress) at all times in public; as well as how this affects participation in FIFA, soccer's governing association, sanctioned events. In addition, they follow the team through their season, showing the victories and triumphs they claim both on and off the field using personal stories of specific players and their own personal struggles.

Other major topics explored include: how Muslim law concerning women's activities and interactions with men affects how women play and where they can play; stories of women who challenge the law by disguising themselves as men in order to play; construction of female centered sports' facilities throughout the Middle East; and, how the struggles of this team reflect the changes occurring in this male-dominated part of the world.   (47 minutes)

Veil of Dreams: Women's Soccer and Islamic Tradition in Iran

• DVD
• ISBN: 978-1-61616-142-2
• Run Time: 47 Minutes
• Copyright Date: 2008
• CC