The Tainted Veil screened in London

The documentary looks into the origins of the hijab, its place in society and the implications and effects over the centuries that have led it to becoming a source of debate worldwide.

The Tainted Veil, a UAE production, was screened to more than 75 guests at a private showing in London on Tuesday.

The documentary, a collaboration between veteran documentary filmmaker Ovidio Salazar, Emirati Nahla Al Fahad and Mazen Al Khayrat, looks into the origins of the hijab, its place in society and the implications and effects over the centuries that have led it to becoming a source of debate worldwide, the state news agency Wam reported.

Produced by Anasy Media, the film was shot in nine countries and looks at Muslims from around the world, focusing on their reasons for deciding to wear the veil, or abstaining from doing so.

“I think we all need to calm down a little about this small piece of cloth, there are so many misconceptions and stereotypes attached to the veil so it was important to give access to real people and their opinions on wearing the veil,” Ms Al Fahad said.

Among Tuesday’s guests on the red carpet were Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to London.

“I was pleased, because I think the film enlightened people to the origins of what the hijab represents and that there are different opinions on the issue,” Sheikh Nahyan said.

“It emphasised that the subject matter should be applied with discretion and that women have the choice to wear it or not.”

Anasy Media plans to tour the documentary at festivals around the world.