This volume compares the cinemas of Iran and Turkey in terms of the presence and absence of women on both sides of the camera. From a critical point of view, it provides detailed readings of works by both male and female film-makers, emphasising issues facing women's film-making. "In this intelligent analysis of Turkish and Iranian cinemas the author highlights the role of women both as objects and as creative forces. She provides a close reading of the genre and raises a series of intriguing questions and observations. The book is a noteworthy achievement as well as a stimulating read. Anyone interested in Middle Eastern culture and society will find Dönmez-Colin's ideas on the topic rewarding." - Oliver Leaman, University of Kentucky, USA "A book to wander within as one would within a miniature painting, to circle around, to reflect upon, to celebrate, to question our notions of the image in this age of net-series -a book of revelations by one of the most insightful & compassionate writers on cinema I know: Gönül Dönmez-Colin" - Anup Singh, Film-maker "A comprehensive study of the presence and absence of women, this timely, informative, and well-researched work offers insights into the construction, evolution, and transformation of images of women on screen, as well as their cultural meanings and sociopolitical significance, discussing in depth a wide range of issues related to women and gender identity and the role of the women filmmakers who have offered new perspectives on them. With its wide historical and critical scope, an invaluable and essential source for readers interested in the representation of women and gender identity in the cinemas of Iran and Turkey. " - Mehrnaz Saeed-Vafa, Coauthor, Abbas Kiarostami