Film Lens
The film presents a visual poem inspired by an ancient bathhouse drawing found in a French travel book about the Middle East. This image, over five hundred years old, serves as a starting point to discuss the complex interplay of capitalist and colonial power dynamics. The film intertwines themes of pleasure and pain, seduction and domination, as well as the histories of sex and empire, creating a rich tapestry of narratives.
Through its essay film format, the work engages with the tradition of Arab poetry known as 'standing by the ruins.' It reflects on the visible and invisible connections that shape the current state of homosexuality in the Middle East, suggesting that these threads are deeply enmeshed in the historical context of the region.
Why Watch
- •See the connection between ancient ruins and modern sexuality.
- •Find out how colonial power shapes contemporary narratives.
- •Meet the complexities of pleasure and pain in historical contexts.
Did You Know
•The film is inspired by a drawing of a bathhouse over 500 years old.
•It references the Arab poetry tradition of 'standing by the ruins.'
•The film has a runtime of 15 minutes.
Perfect For
Middle Eastern historyLGBTQ+ studiesColonialism and power dynamics