“Watching Binnur Karaevli’s poignant and brilliant documentary is like unlocking the enigma of modern Turkish women, caught between modernism and Islamism. The choices that all three women have made are equally complex and exciting, a mirror of a world in the midst of profound metamorphosis.”
~ Alev Lytle Croutier, Author of “Harem: The World Behind the Veil”
“I loved your documentary. It’s powerful and provocative and in many ways a brave experience. While watching it I kept thinking that this is a documentary that not only sheds light on Turkey’s many faces but it could help Western countries understand their own Muslim populations and the complex issues facing Muslim women who live in the West.”
~ Dmetri Kakmi, author of “Mother Land”
"Binnur Karaevli, in her film "Voices Unveiled: Turkish Women who Dare" appeals to the hearts and minds of viewers through exploring the lives of three beautiful and powerful women. Through the eyes of these women, she brings to life the changing and sometimes contradictory gender identities and the search for a synthesis between the West and Islam in Turkey.
Nur, Banu and Belkis navigate between traditional and modern gender roles, drawing from both, and creating a path for themselves and their male partners. They pave the way towards empowering other women in Turkey through their work. This film incorporates many interviews with women and men from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and geographical locations, which brings richness and encourages debate.
In short, this is an excellent film which I would recommend for those interested in learning more about Turkey, a country at the forefront of developing nations, a bridge between the West and Islam, and one that is undergoing profound social change. It is also highly recommended to those interested the fields of international development, sociology, political science, international relations, gender and women's studies at the graduate and undergraduate levels."
~Nüket Kardam, Professor, Monterey Institute of International Studies, author of Turkey’s Engagement with Global Women’s Human Rights
“Binnur’s movie presents the face of Turkish women, despite any current political party leanings. It is so important that individuals, especially women, be able to express themselves [by] pursuing a career or personal course that allows them to be self-expressive. Should Turkey abandon this path of personal expression, promoted since Ataturk, they will do [so] at the peril of the entire Middle East.”
~ Linda Alepin, Founding Director of the Global Women’s Leadership Network and Dean’s Professor of Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University
“Your film has impacted me in a way that won’t go away. I’ve lost any vestiges of thinking that there is anything more important than discovering and finding avenues to express my unique voice.”
~ Julia Dederer, Leader at Global Women’s Leadership Network
“As a woman, and of Turkish descent, I was very proud to view the film. It represents not only the many progressive women in Turkey, but speaks a universal theme of validating human equality, empowerment and living your dreams. Congratulations to Binnur, for her vision and creativity [and bringing the] “truth” to [the] surface! Voices Unveiled: Turkish Women Who Dare is film that must be viewed globally, by all!”
~ Leman Ethem, Associate Director of Corporate Relations, Santa Clara University
“After the screening, I talked to viewers from all walks of life, ages and from different countries including from Turkey (both conservative and liberal women) and Yemen. Your film united us all and made us share the universal theme of what it means to be a woman, regardless of one’s background or politics.”
~ Sema Basol, Founder, Turkish Women’s Initiative
“Congratulations Binnur, you made an absolutely amazing film. The film was beautiful and creative, and it wonderfully exemplified the courage and strength of my country’s female activists. Seeing all the beautiful Turkish scenery was icing on the cake! Thank you for a truly in-depth and honest film.”
~ Zinnur Guvenc, Member, Turkish American Ladies League
“You have made a vital, compelling, and truly beautiful film. Days later I am still thinking about the issues it confronts us with. Turkey is perhaps [one of] the most complex of nations on this planet. Your view of it is so clear and generous. It truly proves what an indomitable spirit you are. Thank you!!”
~ Lia Abbate, Animation Coordinator at Sony
“I truly enjoyed watching the movie… You’ve done a superb job of bringing to life the centuries old gender challenges from all angles. Cultural issues as well as challenges of women with different educational and family backgrounds are accurately brought to the viewers’ attention in a very colorful way. The movie presents the picture of how women’s lives have changed forward and backward over the last century in Turkey. Needless to say, many of the issues that were brought forward in the movie applies to millions of women all over the world, not just those in Turkey. When the movie was over, I kept telling myself ‘I have to make sure that not only my Turkish friends, but all of my friends see this movie.’ We are lucky that a talented professional like you has a passion to make movies with [a] social conscience!”
~ Yasemin Ari, Member, Turkish American Ladies League
