Voices of Resistance
Homecoming Queenz
Elias Wakeem / Palestine / 2019 / 11 min / Hebrew with English subtitles
This vibrant live performance, captured entirely on smartphones, takes place at Ben Gurion International Airport as the artist returns from abroad. The two Palestinians boldly attempt to cross the border in striking, unconventional outfits, turning the act of passing through customs into a daring exploration of identity and freedom.
Mondial 2010
Roy Dib / Lebanon, Palestine / 2013 / 19 min / Arabic with English subtitles
A Lebanese couple embarks on a spontaneous road trip to Ramallah, capturing their adventure on camera. As they navigate the complex borders of the modern Middle East, their lively conversations invite us into the heart of a fading city.
A Letter to Myself: Soha Bechara
Omar Gabriel / Switzerland / 2022 / 10 min / Arabic with English subtitles
In a letter to herself, Soha Bechara, a Lebanese figure of the resistance to the Israeli occupation expresses her worries about her son Juan, who recently confided in her that he is trans. Soha reflects on her child’s struggle and what it would mean for him if they had not left Lebanon to live in Switzerland.
The Hat
Hadi Moussally / Lebanon, France / 2022 / 4 min / French with English subtitles
Hadi looks into the camera as he begins to get dressed. As he prepares himself, he shares the weight of discrimination he faces as a gay Arab, grappling with the double stigma he carries.
Sultana’s Reign
Hadi Moussally / Lebanon, France / 2021 / 10 min / English without subtitles
'Sultana’s Reign' showcases a Palestinian drag queen's journey from Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon to New York. She opens up about the challenges of drag in conservative settings, her love for Egyptian cinema, and her dedication to being true to herself and spreading joy.
Shame
Hadi Moussally / Lebanon, France / 2024 / 5 min / Arabic with English subtitles
In the 19th century, in the Levant region, Salma Zahore participated in a photoshoot along with her parents and neighbours. At the end of the session, Salma decided to remove her coat, revealing her body. Unaware of the potential chaos this gesture could cause within her circle, she did not anticipate that it could lead to shame (عيب).
Borekas
Saleh Saadi / Palestine / 2020 / 15 min / Arabic with English subtitles
In Salah Saadi's short film 'Borekas', a Palestinian son heads back to Munich, with his father offering to drive him to the airport. When their car breaks down, they are left waiting, which gives them an unexpected chance to reconnect.
SHORT FILM PROGRAM
We are dedicating 'Voices of Resistance' to Palestine and the Palestinians, who have been living under occupation for 76 years. By exploring the intersectionality of being a queer Arab, this short film programme reminds us that queerness is only at odds with systems of oppression. It takes us on a multifaceted and poetic journey, showcasing figures of resistance to the Israeli occupation, Palestinian drag queens, and intimate family relationships.
+ Following the screening, we invite you to stay for a discussion, shedding a light on why the Palestinian liberation is a queer issue.
Speakers:
Tarek Choheiber (he/him) - Danish-Palestinian psychology student and activist, Studerende mod Besættelsen (SMB), IF Palestine, and Queers against Occupation and Genocide (QAOG)
Mohammad Allou (he/him) - Asylum activist - Member, student assistant and community organiser at LGBT Asylum
The discussion will be approximately 45 min.