Daughters of a Different Path is a story about a young woman, Leanna, who seeks her mother’s acceptance. After her mother rejects her decision of becoming Muslim, Leanna begins to deal with inner obstacles of doubt. The story is not only about Leanna’s conversion and the repercussions of her decision, but also a story about transforming her mother’s rejection to love.

I consulted various works about Muslim women converts living in America throughout the screenwriting process in an effort to create an honest depiction of the main character and get at the truth of the story. Reference books include Muslim Women in American by Yvonne Yazbeck, Jane I. Smith, and Kathleen M. Moore. Additionally, I have had the tremendous opportunity of speaking with Muslim women converts who have graciously shared their harrowing experiences and challenges joining Islam. As their account confirm, typically the hijab is associated with violence, abuse, and oppression. This film aims to dismantle these ideas and depict the headscarf in a more positive light, so that for the main character, the hijab represents strength. 

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