Screened as part of TOAFF15

An intimate portrait of three female leaders, a society in transition, and a mission to educate a nation.

In Morocco, a country where over 60% of women have never been to school, a new generation of women have started work as official Muslim leaders. They are called Morchidat, or spiritual guides.

The profound story of a quiet social revolution in Morocco, Casablanca Calling follows three Morchidat – Hannane, Bouchra and Karima – as they set out to change their country, starting at street level. The Morchidat teachings are based in compassion, tolerance and equality, and their mission is to separate Islam’s original message from prejudice, misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Their work takes them into mosques, schools, homes, orphanages, prisons, and out in the countryside. They support the education of women and girls; campaign against early marriage; and encourage young people to build a better Morocco, rather than dreaming of life in the West.

This film was supported by the Bertha / Doc Society Connect Fund.