Her Man: First lesbian film from an Arab film-maker?
October 16th, 200729 year old Egyptian film maker, Aiten Amin, shot a short film that concerns one of the biggest taboos in the region; homosexuality. Her film is called “Ragilha,” which in Arabic means “Her Man.” According to Gulf News:
A brave move for the Middle East, Her Man explores the emotion and consequences of a forbidden sexual relationship between two women.
And if you’re wondering, yes it includes the sex scene:
But unlike the usual flash sex scene, where the deed is glazed over and played down, Amin decided to show the scene.
Why did she decided to take on this big challenge? Aiten explains:
“They are circumstances which happen everyday and should be spoken about, not swept under the carpet. I believe censorship needs to be challenged and we can only do that by pushing the boundaries and exploring further.”
The film is apparently based on a book by Ahdaf Soueif, an Egyptian novelist and socio-political commentator. It will be included in the current Middle East International Film Festival, taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and was also shown in the Arab Women’s Film Festival.
Aiten’s writings are also featured in What Women Want, and one of her latest articles is one where she profiles fellow young film-maker Yafa El Guiwily.
Does anyone know if this is the first Arab film that explores a romantic/sexual relationship between two men or women? I have never heard of any before this.
Personally, I am very glad to see young Arabs excel in the field of film-making, especially if it deals with issues of taboos which are usually strictly censored throughout the region. However that is not the only factor. Our silence on many social issues are often results of self-censorship due to fear of harsh criticism and violent reactions. I think it takes a lot of courage to challenge censorship especially if this censorship is not just state-sponsored, but enforced by close-minded, intellectually sheltered societies.
I haven’t seen Aiten’s film yet, so I unfortunately cannot comment any further, however I’m naturally a fan of anything inspiring and unique especially if it goes against the “flow.” Keep your eyes out for this film, and if you get your hands on it let us know what you think!
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Ditto! Yeah, I don’t think we’ll be seeing it at Seef, Dana or Saar any time soon! I suppose this is one of those films to add to things I must see when I go to NY next time.
Isn’t is crazy how everybody knows it (homosexuality) exists here (ME), yet try to deny it (kinda don’t ask, don’t tell and definitely don’t go flaunting it). I can see how it can be very easy to explore that side of sexuality here. Men are always together from childhood on, as well as women are always with women and I suppose “experimentation” does pop up a lot. I have a friend here who once told me that she prayed she would not turn into an angry lesbian. I asked her what she meant by that, basically her mullah husband is the source of her anger. I know you may be asking what I was doing with the wife of a mullah. Long story, and my middle name is not “home-wrecker”. Sounds like that home was wrecked long before I showed up.
I am not trying to start a debate on the whole separation of men and women leads to homosexuality, for I believe it to be a pre-destined thing in the chemistry of people. Anyway, I’m gonna shut up now.
Haha!
I think homosexuals are unnecessarily discriminated against in the ME. In the Arab world I know it is against our religion, but it’s such a personal and sensitive topic. I believe they should really be left alone to live their lives the way they want to, which some do regardless of these restrictions.
I interviewed several homosexuals before for this site, one is here and the other is here. We also featured a Kuwaiti transsexual.
I think this place should be a platform to serve everyone’s interests in the region, especially if they are otherwise silenced or discriminated against, and this includes homosexuals. Unfortunately some consider this our way of advocating for a homosexual way of life, which is not true. We merely give them a much-deserved and much needed voice, something our mainstream media outlets obviously fail to do.
I am not sure if she is the first arab film-maker to tackle such a topic in a film, since from what I have noticed, there are so many arab talents out there. Someone like Hala Mattar who actually lived in Bahrain but was pretty much unknown should have been famous, but she wasn’t. By that we see that many talents are extremely hidden and it’s such a great thing to see MEY expose them to the public eye. I’m going to search on this topic further more since it really interests me. As for the movie, I youtube-ed it and it turns out that nothing exists there. I hope I get my hand on it soon, though, since it sounds like a pretty great one.
Very happy to see this article about Aiten Amin and her breakthrough film.
My partner and I wrote the book “How To Be A Happy Lesbian: A Coming Out Guide,” which is available as both printed and Ebook. We have a very large website with over 1,000 free resources for lesbian and bisexual women worldwide.
We also have a free support group for women who are coming out as lesbian or bisexual. This group has over 750 members worldwide, and we provide free support for any woman who needs it. If you are a woman and you need support, please visit our website:
http://www.amazingdreamspublishing.com
Sincerely,
Tracey Stevens
Very interesting Esra’a thanks for bringing it up!
As I like to keep my opinion to myself about homosexuality, I think it should definitely be discussed!
I will certainly look for the film, watch it and then share my views about it!
I just thought that what I said in my previous comment, and I’m quoting myself here..
could appear as contradiction, since I thought homosexuality should be discussed though I didn’t want to share my opinion about it!, so I thought I’d elaborate on it before I get viciously attacked by the very liberal readers and authors of this blog:-)
Well, I think it’s a very sensitive issue, for that I’d rather discuss in definite groups, where I can listen to people’s views on it it and debate it with them, they don’t have to be people I know , I could go to a dialogue session about it a know no one there but be able to discuss it freely and openly, I just think this forum as amazing as it is has indefinite number of readers and commentators, which is the beauty of it , though such thing doesn’t make me feel like discussing such a sensitive controversial topic, and I hope you understand me!
Onething I would like to say though is that people should have the right to agree or disagree with any notion regardless of how controversial it is!
as long as they do it peacefully
What a Great Move ,, Go On People
I think the first Arab film that sheds light on lesbian love in a positive light is “Caramel” which is a Lebanese film. It’s high time people understood the nature and essence of lesbian love before judging it in a negative manner.
Peace yo
just found this horny prat Shaking vid on youtube…
check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsoHCukkeUo
May you can share something similar.
happy watching
mastablubba