Inside Baabda Prison in Lebanon, women inmates prepare for a theater performance titled Scheherazade. Over ten months in 2012, they participate in a drama therapy project that allows them to share personal stories of domestic violence, failed marriages, and lost motherhood. The film interweaves rehearsal footage with testimonials, revealing the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. Directed by Zeina Daccache, the documentary captures the unique experience of staging a play within an Arab women's prison.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

See women inmates perform in Lebanon's Baabda Prison.
Meet the women sharing stories of domestic violence.
Find out about the first theatre performance in an Arab women's prison.

Did You Know

The film won the FIPRESCI prize at the 10th Annual Dubai International Film Festival in December 2013.
It received the GOLD FIFOG award for best documentary at the FIFOG film festival in Geneva in April 2014.
The film was awarded the Human Rights Award at the FIDADOC film festival in Agadir, Morocco, in May 2014.
It was recognized as Best Arab Film at the Cairo International Film Festival on November 18, 2014.

Perfect For

Documentary enthusiastsTheatre loversHuman rights advocates

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed Scheherazade's Diary?

Scheherazade's Diary was directed by Zeina Daccache.

What is the duration of Scheherazade's Diary?

The duration of Scheherazade's Diary is 78 minutes.

What awards did Scheherazade's Diary win?

Scheherazade's Diary won several awards, including the FIPRESCI prize at the 10th Annual Dubai International Film Festival and the GOLD FIFOG award for best documentary at FIFOG film festival in Geneva.

Awards & Festivals

Cairo International Film Festival

2014 • Official selection

Dubai International Film Festival

2013 • Official selection

URTI Prize

2014 • Award

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

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