Jasad & The Queen of Contradictions
UK/Lebanon | 2011 | 40 minutes | Color | DVD | Arabic | Subtitled | Order No. 131089
SYNOPSIS
JASAD & THE QUEEN OF CONTRADICTIONS, by Lebanese director Amanda Homsi-Ottosson, tackles the subject of sexuality in Lebanon, giving insight on the rare use of the Arabic language to discuss sex and erotica. Different views regarding the magazine and sexuality are also given by the head of a women’s rights organization, a sexual health educator and a doctor who performs hymen reconstruction surgeries. Despite the debates, the threats and the lack of funds, one passionate woman shows no sign of slowing down her small steps towards a “sexual revolution” in the Arab world.
PRESS
“The documentary opens up discussion about sexuality through a magazine that breaks taboos and challenges both stereotypes and language… what Haddad likes to call "a slap out of amnesia."
"JASAD tackles the subject of sexuality in Lebanon, giving insight on the rare use of the Arabic language to discuss these taboo topics."
“About a fascinating Lebanese poet and writer Joumana Haddad who has stirred controversy in the Middle East for having founded 'Jasad' (the Body), an erotic quarterly Arabic-language magazine.”
“Opens up discussion and debate.”
SCREENING HIGHLIGHTS AND AWARDS
- International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA)
- DOXA Documentary Film Festival
- Athena Film Festival
- The Frontline Club, London
- The Royal Film Commission, Jordan
- Film Middle East Now
ABOUT FILMMAKER(S)
Amanda Homsi-Ottosson is a Lebanese producer currently based in London. She was brought up in neighboring Syria during the civil war period in Lebanon. Amanda went back to her native Lebanon to pursue her university studies at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, and graduated with a BA in Communication Arts with an emphasis on Radio, TV, and Film. Since, she has worked in TV Production in both Lebanon and the UK, on topics usually involving the Middle East. Credits include the BBC2, BBC3, Dubai TV and the Travel Channel. Currently based in the UK, she founded her company, Black Unicorn Productions, in 2009 in order to make documentaries on topics that she is passionate about. (12/12)