Maria's Grotto

Directed by Buthina Canaan Khoury

If an Arab woman has chosen to have a romantic relationship or is suspected of having had an intimate relationship outside of marriage, she is considered to have brought shame and dishonor upon the entire family. This situation can only be rectified by the woman's death. Normally, a close relative—male or female—is responsible for killing her, and their actions will be free of any legal consequences. Odisea presents this shocking documentary, produced in-house, on this phenomenon in Palestine. Known as "honor killing," it is common in Arab society but is considered a taboo subject that is inappropriate to discuss. "Honor killings" are on the rise and affect many women of different ages, economic status, and religious backgrounds.