Can a loving mother be a terrorist?

Israeli filmmaker Natalie Assouline tells Soumya Mukerji what it took to peel the woman free from the suicide bomber while filming her documentary on female Palestinian terror suspects

Brides of Allah is a film shot entirely in the Sharon prison on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, over two years. Israeli filmmaker Natalie Assouline would spend her entire day, three times a week, building relationships with and interviewing Palestinian women convicted of suicide bomb attacks. Her Jewish identity will label her the outsider even if she visited them for a decade, Assouline admits. Untiring in justifying their actions on camera, some of these women have been pushed further down the fundamentalist slope by hardliners within the prison.

Why delve into the lives of seemingly off-limit terrorists?
Back in 2003, like most Israeli citizens, I was living in constant fear of terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. We feared each time we got on a bus, or simply sat in a restaurant or a coffee shop. What caught my attention as a filmmaker was the fact that women began executing these attacks, not just as assistants but as active members. I was puzzled; how could a woman conduct such an act, leaving behind her children and family, go out and destroy hundreds of families?

The news coverage of the issue was inefficient. I set out to learn more on the subject, first-hand.

It's met with equal amounts of criticism and acclaim the world over. What do you expect from Indian audiences?
My expectations from Indian viewers are the same as that from anywhere in the world. I expect them to think. I'd want them to put their prejudices aside, and understand that reality is not black and white, as the media portrays at times.

The film shows the complete picture; what drives women into conducting these crimes. The viewer is likely to be surprised.

I visited India a while ago. I believe it is a fascinating country that has seen its share of bloodshed and grief. In light of the bombings in Mumbai last year, the Indian viewer will see see my film as far more relevant.

Did you feel vulnerable to danger while filming?
Was there ever a moment when you felt you could be swayed by their philosophy?
On the contrary, the deeper I got into their world, the stronger my beliefs became. These actions are irrational, and undermine any hope of co-existence. I came to realise that each story has more than one side, and not every action the inmates took was guided by belief.

After interacting with the inmates, do you believe a loving mother can make a hateful terrorist?
I'm afraid it's not a simple yes or no answer. In many societies, women live under strong male domination, and are forced to commit acts beyond reason and imagination.

Some have called the narrative chilling and inconclusive. Comment.
As a filmmaker, I don't believe the viewer should be 'fed' with my view of the world, or even guided by it. I'm often asked by viewers what the reason behind each woman's action is. They want to know how the women were forced to do it (rape, physical abuse). For me, that's besides the point; it's gossip.

Viewers are used to leaving a film on a conclusiveu00a0 note, but I wanted to encourage thinking, not following.

Any profound stories of love you encountered?
Yes, but I can't go into details.

You have censored some bits.
The bits I decided to censor were because I was concerned about the inmates. I have exposed as much truth as is possible without subjecting them to danger.

Are you still friends with any of the inmates?
No, I am not. It's too complicated.

Catch it on TV Brides of Allah will be screened on NDTV Documentary 24x7 today at 1 pm