Should I Marry My Cousin?

The 2017 controversial and complex documentary "Should I Marry My Cousin?" dives head-on into one of society’s most divisive and polemical issues: cousin marriages. Directed by Mahev Khan and featuring the brave and outspoken Hiba Maroof, a young woman of Pakistani-British heritage, the film attempts to unravel the implications and ethical dilemmas surrounding consanguineous marriages, especially in certain ethnicities and societies. It is predominantly prevalent among many South Asian communities, where cousin marriages have been practised for generations and are deemed as a natural part of their culture.

The documentary provides a personal journey of Hiba Maroof. As an educated, reflective and strong-willed woman raised in a traditional Muslim family in Bradford, Hiba explores the possibility of entering into a consanguineous marital arrangement largely favoured in her family. Over a span of 12 months, Hiba delves into her family history and the broader implications surfacing with such a union, accommodating a wider perspective on genetics, cultural significance, and societal prejudices by interacting with various stakeholders, from relatives to genetic scientists, and from cultural spokespersons to matchmakers.

"Should I Marry My Cousin?" presents a profound on-going dialog about the ideals of family, culture, faith, and society. Aimed to break stereotypes, the documentary revasculates the audience's prejudice and ignorance regarding cousin marriages by focusing on its impacts on the individuals involved and their families, rather than treating it as a taboo topic.

The documentary portrays Hiba’s visit to Pakistan, where she experiences first-hand the cultural norms where decisions about marriages are still heavily influenced by family desires and cultural customs. There is a striking contrast to Hiba's life in Britain and it present her with the mammoth task of reconciling her own individuality and preference with the cultural expectations and societal norms for which she possesses profound respect.

"Should I Marry My Cousin?" also unfolds the scientific perspective on such marriages. It demystifies the genetic risks involved in cousin marriages, adding a clinical dimension to this societal debate. While exploring the genetic consequences, it does not shy away from acknowledging the heart-wrenching accounts of families who have been affected by genetic diseases due to consanguinity. The accounts are blended in such a way that it balances the fear and risks involved alongside the long-standing cultural tradition.

In this documentary, Hiba remains genuinely torn and her narrative oscillates between embracing cultural traditions and yearning for individual autonomy. She shows a commendable willingness to listen, learn and understand various perspectives before jumping to any hurried conclusions, no matter how emotionally fraught the journey may be.

This sincere exploration leads her to converse with other British-Pakistanis who have themselves experienced cousin marriages and engages with the factual and emotional assimilation of societal norms and personal relationships. Furthermore, it unravels the intricacies of maintaining cultural identity within a diasporic condition and how it is intertwined with the values and familial structures of migrant communities.

Arguably, "Should I Marry My Cousin?" does an outstanding job in presenting a balanced documenting of cousin marriages, integrating a highly personal narrative with scientific, cultural, and sociological perspectives. Rather than presenting a simplistic conclusion on the issue, it welcomes viewers to engage in an open dialogue about the subject.

As a grounded, exposed, and articulated protagonist, Hiba guides the audience through a conflict that is seldom openly discussed. Hiba's journey is utilized as a lens to debate and explore the contrasting ideas of freedom of choice, family honor, genetic risks, and preservation of cultural heritage. Her personal quest sprinkled with fear, excitement, contemplation, and resilience forms the heart of the documentary and compels the viewer to reassess their perspective on cousin marriages.

Overall, "Should I Marry My Cousin?" is a rare and distinctive endeavour into a subject shrouded with judgement and stigmas. It provides the viewers with an inherently personal and emotionally charged expedition into cousin marriages. The film is an illuminating and thought-provoking piece that will leave you with many questions, and maybe even a reformed perspective on cousin marriages. It is an intimate journey through the heart and soul of one young woman, and a larger exploration of the impact and importance of cultural practices in our lives.