Liberté

Liberté is a new short film written and acted in by Sam Naz (British broadcaster/actress) about the heroine, Noor Inayat Khan, a Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent who was one of the first women behind enemy lines in WW 2 France. The premiered on September 24, 2021 at the Royal Laemmle Theatre in Los Angeles.

The film focuses on the time leading up to her execution in 1944; how she was tested/tortured by the Nazi intelligence chief and more importantly, the bravery, loyalty and silence she maintained throughout.

Sam Naz was captivated by Noor Khan’s story when she came across it a decade ago. She states that Khan’s story “smashes stereotypes about women, Asian women, and Muslim women.” Also, she mentions that playing the role of Khan in the film was exceptionally physically and emotionally taxing.

Noor Inayat Khan was posthumously awarded the French Croix de Guerre (military medal) by France in 1946 and the UK’s George Cross (civilian medal) in 1949. Her story is also featured in the movie, A Call to Spy.

In 2020 the British installed the Blue Heritage Paque at Noor Inayat Khan’s home in the UK. She is the first woman of Indian origin to receive one for her war contributions and ultimate sacrifice.

Listen to Celine’s SOE agent story in Invisible Women Episode 7.