THE JUDGE
OUT 23 NOVEMBER
This inspiring portrait of Kholoud Al-Faqih, Palestine’s first female Shari’a judge, spotlights her struggles in a culture where tradition often overrides law. Director Erika Cohn’s focus on Al-Faqih’s day-to-day challenges rather than her rise to the top proves a smart choice: we see her confronting conservatism with intelligence, grace and a stubborn streak. Cohn’s sign-off will leave you cheering. Chris Schilling