Saudi Solutions
How to combine modernity and fundamentalist Islam. "Saudi Solutions" is a unique and revealing documentary about the lifestyles and attitudes of ambitious career women in conservative Saudi Arabia -- the only country in the Arab world where women are obliged to cover themselves inabayas and aren't allowed to drive cars.
Because of the strong influence of fundamentalist Islam on society, filming is severely restricted in Saudi Arabia. With unique access to the Kingdom, Backlight had the opportunity to film the daily routines of Saudi working women. This documentary features a top gyneacologist, a TV news anchor woman, a photographer, and a university professor. It also introduces the wealthy Prince Al-Waleed, who passionately promotes the acceptance of women into the workforce. He kindly invites Backlight to his luxury desert camp, but there are no women to be found—only thousands of men.
Rising Gulf
While the focus of most of the worlds media is on conflict areas in the Middle East, a silent revolution is taking place in the Gulf States. A rapid modernization process is taking place in this part of the Arab world, one that we have never seen before
Democracy's Dilemma
With this documentary, Backlight holds up a mirror to its viewers. Are EU citizens willing to accept the combination of Islam and democracy? Or are Muslims by definition seen as wolves in sheep’s clothing? In collaboration with Fareed Zakaria, Backlight analyzes the current situation in Turkey.