Iman Bin Hussien Tunisian film director Iman Bin Hussien has hailed the influence of the late Syrian director Mustapha Akkad on her career. In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, Hussien described Akkad as her "idol," and an influential character in world cinema.
Documentary-maker Hussien is known for tackling hard-hitting and controversial topics, which she puts down to her dream of a free Palestine.
She is currently working on a new feature film called "Eikdat al-Khawaja," along with a series of documentaries. "Eikdat al-Khawaja" has been written and directed by Bin Hussien and produced by a company in the United Arab Emirates.
Hussien said she was pleased to be chosen by 'Peace Without Borders' to organise the first international cinema and music festival in Tunisia, next December.
She claims to have received a countless number of death threats because of the nature of her films, but says she does not fear anyone and has vowed to continue making films that matter.
Her film, "Al-Mukhtafoon," was honoured by the Minister for Human Rights and Justice, Samir Dilo. She is also critically acclaimed in the US and Europe for her film "Siri Lil Ghaya" (Top Secret) which reflects on the control of European Jews and Uncle Sam's generation on the world.
"I've decided to be the voice for the voiceless. I will not be silenced when it comes to injustice and I'm not afraid of anyone," she said.
Hussein also spoke of her pride in the Tunisian revolution on January 14, 2011, adding that people should not criticise it.