Typecast Releasing to Distribute Brigid Maher’s
New Documentary, Veiled Voices

Washington, DC – July 13, 2009:

Filmmaker Brigid Maher [AWOL, Adrift in the Heartland] has signed an exclusive deal with Typecast Releasing for U.S. distribution of her latest film, Veiled Voices.

Women across the Arab world are redefining their role as leaders in Islam. Veiled Voices investigates the world of Muslim women religious leaders through the eyes of three women in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. Filmed over the course of two years, Veiled Voices reveals a world rarely documented, exploring both the public and private worlds of these women. The stories featured in the film give insight into how Muslim women are now increasingly willing to challenge the status quo from within their religion, promoting Islam as a powerful force for positive transformation in the world. Each triumphs over difficult challenges as they carve out a space to lead—both in Islam and in their communities.

Producer and Director Brigid Maher is a filmmaker, multimedia designer and an assistant professor in the Film and Media Arts Division at American University in Washington, DC. Her work focuses on issues of cultural identity and discrimination. She has directed film and theater productions all around the world and recently completed the short film AWOL, which was filmed on location in Lebanon and is now touring the festival circuit. Maher wrote, directed and produced the feature film Adrift In the Heartland, which was filmed in the West Bank and in Chicago. Maher’s films have been screened at international film festivals both in the USA and abroad.

“John Sinno and Typecast Releasing are nationally renowned for cutting edge work having to do with the Middle East. It’s an honor and an exciting opportunity.” –Brigid Maher

“Through its genuine portraits, Veiled Voices vividly illustrates the important role that Muslim women can play in shaping the future of the religion.” –John Sinno

Typecast Releasing currently has Veiled Voices available on DVD for institutional purchase and on other formats for broadcast and festival screenings in the USA.

You can view clips and find more information at veiledvoices.com. To purchase an institutional DVD copy, click here. Please contact Alex at (206) 322-0882 ext. 202 or by email at alex-at-typecastfilms.com if you have any questions.

Sheikha Stories:

Also directed by Brigid Maher, Sheikha Stories is now available for institutional purchase on DVD, with a discount applied if purchased together with institutional DVD copy of Veiled Voices. This collection of five documentary shorts profiles women of the Middle East and the institutions that support their role in Islam. For information on each of the individual short films, click here. Sheikha Stories is also available for broadcast and festival screenings in the USA.