A pre-marriage ceremony only for women based in Middle East-Asian minor-North Africa. It is called "Henna Night". The women get together, they eat, drink, dance, sing songs, tell jokes and stories. Here, in Sheffield, we witness an initiation ritual to womanhood in Lebanese culture. The hands of the women are decorated with patterns of flowers and islamic geometry.
They have met at The Refugee (support for women fled from domestic violence), the methodist church (support group for refugees) and Assist (refugee support group) in Sheffield. For most this was the first time to have a chance to dance and a celebrate for over a year.
These women came from North Africa and across Middle East. They are mothers, daughters, doctors, professionals, cleaners and freedom fighter. That day, they remember the power of the hands on hands.
Those eyes have seen wars, blood, flood, hunger, abuse, husband's fists, rough rugged land... The more they see, the more they stay silent and the more passing on the tradition matters.
For religious and cultural reasons it is forbidden to be filmed or photographed.
I would like to thank to all these women to allowing me to celebrate with them.
Film, edit, soundtrack, spoken words by Ayse Balkose