When SAT-7 ARABIC launched Needle and Thread, its magazine show for young women, the goal was clear from the start. As Maggie Morgan, an award-winning Egyptian documentary and feature film maker, describes the series “This programme seeks to present women that are fully alive. Women not only need to embrace their God-given identities, but to embrace them in full colour.”
Central to this vision was to create a lively, informal, conversational show with guests, film clips and the freedom to tackle all kinds of women’s and social issues in the Middle East with honesty and wisdom.
So how did the show get its title? Alexandria-born Maggie says, “I felt many Christians in Egypt are so isolated from society. I wanted, like a thread and a needle, to tie this isolated body of people back into the whole social fabric.”
The show doesn’t shrink from uncomfortable issues, it addresses them with optimism. “We want to celebrate girls and women, not as victims, but as active and able agents,” Maggie says.
The programme uses a style suited to its youthful audience. Infectious café jazz announces the show, the title sequence has vibrant colours and an intriguing story of its own, and the set is designed as a textile artist’s studio – full of colour and arty props.
A man from Saudi Arabia: “Thank you very much for your encouraging message, and for the words of hope and wisdom. Thank you also for taking the time and care, I am really touched. God bless you.”
A viewer in Egypt: “I am a big fan of the programme “Needle and Thread ” and I would like to ask you to discuss ‘How do I know God’s purpose in my life’ in one of the programme episodes. God bless you.”
A man in Egypt: “Thank you for helping in restoring the image and the identity of women through your programme.”