To Afghan Canadian filmmaker Brishkay Ahmed in any and all cases the burqa is a tool of oppression. Ahmed begins her film, Story of Burqa in Vancouver where she stands on a street corner and asks a woman passing by to try on the full-length veil. The woman obliges and Ahmed instructs her to walk around. Fully covered the woman waits at the street corner then crosses along with a small crowd of bare faces. It’s eerie to watch. There’s just something strange about the burqa — the way it conceals facial expression, the ghostly silhouette it creates. It’s ironic that the very garment designed supposed to protect a woman’s privacy ends up being the thing that singles her out in a crowd.
While on the street, Ahmed comes across a couple of Afghan Canadian men and asks them when they think of the garment. Their response is surprising. They see the burqa as unnecessary, impractical even. One goes so far as to say he’s seen it cause accidents (women can get the cumbersome extra fabric caught on various things).
We are then taken to the streets of Kabul where Ahmed tries to uncover the roots of the Burqa. Where did it come from and why was it used? Her findings are surprising. It was originally from India. It turns out the garment that so many have come to associate with Muslim extremism is not even from a Muslim country. What is further surprising is that, according to many of the subjects interviewed in her film, the burqa is not a traditional Islamic garment.
If the burqa is not a religious garment then how did it become one? The filmmaker sees it as a political tool. Whether worn by prostitutes or Afghan socialites, the burqa, Ahmed thinks, has always been used to oppress women. Interesting then that she did not interview many female subjects. Many of those she spoke to were men and the Afghan women Ahmed spoke to were not given a real chance to comment on what kind of statement they felt the burqa actually made.
The burqa’s unique backstory offers an interesting look at Afghan culture throughout different times in history. Sometimes a symbol of status and other times a symbol of oppression, the burqa has always stood for something different. Even now there are varying opinions on its purpose.
Although the Story of Burqa looks a little rough and lacks the finish that an experienced editor might be able to deliver, Ahmed’s film shouts a bold message. Story of Burqa does provide insight into the origins of the garment and asks important questions about what its role in modern society should be. It is a film that is bound to spark some debate. Ahmed definitely has an opinion and isn’t afraid to show it.
Story of Burqa: Case of a Confused Afghan by Brishkay Ahmed
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Sunday, May 13 12:00pm
Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St & Helmcken, Vancouver BC
Tickets: www.doxafestival.ca/festival/films/story_burqa
