Current Affairs

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Inside The Middle East

SHOW #73

Hosted by Hala Gorani in the UAE
EMIRATI FILMMAKER

Nayla al Khaja is the bright new face of the Emirati film industry. The UAE’s first female filmmaker has already challenged official regulators and censors with controversial topics like pedophilia, and subtler themes still considered taboo in this conservative society, like relationships outside of marriage. Tracey Holmes speaks to the energetic young Nayla about her film, her ambitions, and the issues facing her generation.

SARAH’S BAGS

Chic and trendy, Sarah Beydoun’s hand-embroidered purses gained worldwide fashion fame when Queen Rania and Catherine Deneuve were spotted carrying them. A social worker turned entrepreneur, Sarah grabs attention not only for her designs but for her remarkable team of seamstresses. Each bag is meticulously handmade by Lebanese women prisoners or former inmates as a source of income and a way to reintegrate into society. Brent Sadler introduces us to the women behind the brand and gets a sneak peak of prison chic.

TUNISIA’S LIQUID GOLD

Tunisia is the world's fourth largest producer of olive oil, but Les Moulins Mahjoub south of Tunis assiduously shun the mass market. They've occupied a niche, producing the purest "boutique" olive oil for the most discerning--and wealthy--palates. Ben Wedeman, CNN's authority in all things olive, puts their oil to the test.