Independent Lens: Shadya - an early look

If ever a subject of this PBS documentary showcase series lived up to the title "Independent Lens," it's eighteen year old Shadya Zoabi. Shadya is a Muslim Arab living in Israel, a beautiful, athletic and headstrong girl who loves karate and who has very little interest in following the typical Muslim path of becoming a servant and housekeeper. Throughout the film, Shadya's feminist views clash with those of her older brothers, the eldest of which insists Shadya must give up karate and behave in a manner more fitting to Muslim customs and laws. Shadya, meanwhile, flaunts her independence at every turn. She even gives up praying because she says she hasn't got the time.

The film makes clear, however, that Shadya could not be the free spirit she is without her father, who supports Shadya in every decision she makes. Her older brother abhors this, but their father insists times have changed, and that it's time for everyone -- Jews, Christians and Muslims -- to get along.

I always enjoy the documentaries featured on Independent Lens, but this one really stuck with me. It helps that Shadya is a lovely young girl who lights up every room she's in, but it's also both uplifting and heartbreaking to watch someone struggle to be themselves in a world that demands they be someone completely different.

Shadya airs January 16 at 10pm on PBS.