Social Contexts

• The position of women is determined by patriarchal views of men who may regard women as their property, these views are often reinforced by family, friends and the village community

• Those who follow Sharia Law still believe that women are not allowed their independence

• Under sharia law, women’s rights and freedoms are very limited and they must defer to a male guardian, a father or husband (for example, permission to leave the house)

• The rights and freedoms of children within this community can be precarious

• Schools are set up and compulsory in Cameroon up to the age of 14, but books and uniforms must be paid for so often sons rather than daughters are prioritised, perpetuating women’s scope for opportunity and financial independence

• Young children are often expected to help out with farming chores

• Female judge in the court-room challenges the traditional views held by men, which work against women’s rights and fundamental freedoms

Production (Economic) Contexts

• Florence Ayisi and Kim Longinotto were supported by the non-profit media organisation ‘Women Make Moviews’ (set up in New York in 1972), running workshops teaching women how to make films. Women Make Movies distributes ‘Sisters in Law’ within the context of its wider aims to support filmmaking by female directors who embark on themes about women globally and it has supported the other documentary work by Kim Longinotto

• The idea for the documentary grew from a visit to Kumba Town, West Cameroon, which is Florence Ayisis’s home town, whilst she and Kim Longinotto were going to organically film a documentary about the police