It is the day before yesterday that the opening of the ” MAWJOUDIN Queer Film Festival »Organized by the Ciné-Club de l ‘Mawjoudin Association.
Throughout the four days that this festival will last, the first in its kind of the MENA region, spectators will be able to see films (long, means and short films) of Africa and the Middle East, mainly centered on the question of non -normative gender and sexuality, thus breaking the taboos around this theme.
During this festival, two discussion panels, having the subjects of art and queer resistance are also planned. On the last day, there will be an exhibition of two comics made by one of the members of the association and developed from the testimonies of LGBTQI people in Tunisia.
Trailer of “Mawjoudin Queer Film Festival”
Beyond the shadow by Nada Mezni Hafaiedh was the opening film of this festival. Last November, he was very successful with the public during his screening as part of Carthage’s cinematographic days. Success confirmed by the jury since The film had won the bronze tanit in the documentary feature film competition.
Synopsis
The documentary follows the daily life of Amina Sboui, a human rights activist, and her friends whom she hosts free of charge at home. Their lives intersect and collide, sometimes in sweetness and others in violence, to illustrate the journey of a youth too often rejected for their non -normativity.
Film poster “beyond the shadow”
The film is very moving. We laugh and cry at the same time. Perhaps from a cinematographic point of view, we can find some faults to him, perhaps there are some weaknesses of scenario and that sometimes some overplay a little, but humanly it is very successful. We can only be united with this group of young people, feel their sorrows and joys and especially revolt against the injustice they are the subject. Injustice on the part of a society that does not understand them and rejects them.
Why can’t our societies accept living together? Why are they so conservative and so intolerant?
The room was arch-combled. There were spectators everywhere, including on the ground and in the aisles.
It is a pride that Tunisia such a festival may exist, knowing that in other Arab countries (apart from Lebanon), it is downright out of the question.
For example, a few months ago in Egypt, There have been dozens of arrests among homosexuals because some had dared to brandish the gay flag during a concert. These people are still in prison.
It is to be hoped that this festival takes place in very good conditions, that it can be an opportunity to develop the debate and therefore allow a better understanding or at least a better acceptance of the other, and especially that it leads to the repeal of Article 230 of the penal code which punishes homosexuality of 3 years in prison.
Neïla Driss
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