The Story
Basic human rights are a worldwide concern. In some Islamic communities, on an almost daily basis, the rights of women are violated on a most basic
level. Women who are assaulted by men are often put on trial and sentenced to
prison terms or execution for “harassment” of their perpetrators. They are
accused of harassment because they may have fought back during their attack.
--According to the International Humanist and Ethical Union,
there are “9 places in the world that still have stoning as legal punishment”.
--A Pew poll released on
December 2, 2010, found that even today “The majority of Muslims would favor
changing current laws in their countries to “allow stoning as punishment for
adultery, hand amputation for theft, and death for those who convert from Islam
as their religion”
Story and Vision
Rajam--Inspired by true events
Maha and Abdula have
a dangerous affair. They flee Iraq, only to be lured back by their families in
order to bring peace and safety to their village. When they return, they are placed
on trial for adultery, found guilty and prepared for execution. Abdula repents
and is saved. Refusing to compromise, Maha is executed by Rajam. Her father is
forced to cast the first stone. Upon her death, she is left in the field. Out
of a sign of respect, her sister gives her a proper burial by washing her in
water and wrapping her in a white cloth.
The story of the two
people in Rajam is not unusual, I
came across it a while back doing some research for a similar themed project.
It is a story I feel very strong about telling, because it found it’s way to me
and has haunted me ever since.
Amanda Pennington Knox - Director
Amanda is a first year Directing Fellow at Chapman. The first project that Amanda associate produced prior to graduate school,
The Sea Is All I Know (Jordan Bayne, Dir.) starring Academy Award winner Melissa Leo was in consideration for a 2012 Academy Award. In 2012, Amanda wrote, directed and produced her first short a period film
Lillian starring Tony Nominee, Kathleen Chalfant.
Lillian traveled to seven film festivals including Cannes SFC and was nominated for Visionary Artist Award (New Orleans Film Festival) as well as a Jury Award (Woods Hole Film Festival). In 2014, Amanda was invited by the Academy to be on the selection committee for the Student Academy Awards in New York.
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Angelo Ford - Producer
Angelo has written, directed, and produced multiple short films and worked on a full length feature as Production Manager. He's now a first year Graduate Student in Chapman's Film & TV Producing program.
For me, this short is about standing by your principles. It is about a young woman who refuses to give into the accusations that she faces and stays true to her belief to the very end. Join the effort to bring our vision to life, contribute any way you can, and share in the joy of filmmaking.
Jonathan Chou-Cinematographer
Jonathan
has received his B.A in Radio-TV-Film at Cal State Fullerton and is now a first
year Cinematography student at Chapman University’s MFA program mentored by
Bill Dill, ASC and Johnny Jensen, ASC. Prior in attending Chapman, Jonathan has
shot a number of short films and music videos as well as working on productions
for large studios such as Disney and Paramount.
Budget Breakdown
Every penny we raise will go directly to the making of this film. We take great care in ensuring that we get the best deals possible and maximize our network and student status to the full extent possible. Here is a breakdown of where the funds will specifically be used:
What You Get
Not only will you receive the perks of our campaign and contribute to the conversation of international human rights, you will be fostering the growth of the young filmmakers at Chapman University. As students, we have chosen to make this particular film because we wanted to take risks with our art and push the limitations of our imagination. With your help, we will realize our vision for this film and hope to start a very important conversation about human rights.
