SISTERS IN LAW

Year: 2005
USA: Women Make Movies
UK: ICA Cinema
Cast: Vera Ngassa, Beatrice Ntuba
Directors: Kim Longinotto, Florence Ayisi
Country: UK
UK: 104 mins
USA Release Date: 12 April 2006 (Limited Release) 2006
UK Release Date: 11 August 2006 (Limited Release - London, ICA)

UK Distributor

Synopsis

Winner of the Prix Art et Essai at the Cannes Film Festival and screened at more than 120 festivals worldwide, SISTERS IN LAW is the latest work from festival favorite Kim Longinotto and co-directed by Florence Ayisi. Longinotto's other award-winning films include recent Emmy nominee, THE DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET, which premiered in the US at the Sundance Film Festival, DIVORCE IRANIAN STYLE, DREAM GIRLS and SHINJUKU BOYS, among others.

SISTERS IN LAW is a totally fascinating, often hilarious look at the work of one small courthouse in Cameroon where two women determined to change a village are making progress that could change the world. The tough minded state prosecutor Vera Ngassa and Court President Beatrice Ntuba are working to help women in their Muslim village find the courage to fight often-difficult cases of abuse, despite pressures from family and their community to remain silent. With fierce compassion, they dispense wisdom, wisecracks and justice in fair measure—handing down stiff sentences to those convicted. A cross between Judge Judy and The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, SISTERS IN LAW has audiences cheering when justice is served.

In signature style, Longinotto's unobtrusive camera captures an abundance of colorful characters, allowing their powerful stories to unfold effortlessly without need for narration. Inspiring and uplifting, SISTERS IN LAW presents a strong and positive view of African women—and captures the emerging spirit of courage, hope and the possibility of change.