Breaking Taboos: Ahmad Alyaseer's "Our Males and Females"

By: Israa Radaydeh

Ahmad Alyaseer's film "Our Males and Females" is a bold and challenging exploration of taboos in Middle Eastern Arab society. The film tells the story of a father and mother who are faced with the painful task of washing and shrouding their transgender daughter.

Shrouding is an Islamic religious practice that is deemed obligatory upon death. But when no one agrees to wash her, and shame falls onto the family, how far is the father willing to go to ensure his "son" is properly honored?

In "Our Males and Females," the father, played by Kamel AL-Basha, is determined to give his son—who became a female—a proper burial. The mother, played by Shafiqa Atall, must also navigate the family's and community's wishes. The film explores the challenges transgender people face in death, as well as the lengths some families will go to ensure their loved ones receive a proper burial.

Alyaseer's film bravely tackles this difficult subject with compassion and understanding. He shows the human cost of discrimination and the importance of family and acceptance. The film also delves into the role of Islam in Middle Eastern society, illustrating how its teachings significantly impact people's lives. Some interpret Islam conservatively and traditionally, while others take a more liberal and progressive approach.

In his film," Alyaseer demonstrates how Islam can be used to both justify and condemn discrimination against transgender people. The film emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the need to challenge traditional interpretations of religious texts.

Director Ahmad Alyaseer was inspired to make the film after hearing the story of Bousi, a transgender woman from the Arab region. Bousi spent her entire life seeking approval and acceptance from her family, friends, and wider community. Despite receiving legal approval to transition, she never obtained official gender recognition, increasing her vulnerability to systemic discrimination. Alyaseer wondered what would happen to a transgender person upon their death, and whether discrimination and non-acceptance would still prevail. He aimed to make a film that would challenge stereotypes and provoke audiences to think about issues they might not have considered before.

In Our Males and Females, the father” Kamel AL-Basha” is determined to give his son-who became a female, a proper burial, the mother role is played by “Shafiqa Atall, even if it means going against the wishes of his family and community. The film explores the challenges that transgender people face in death, as well as the lengths that some families are willing to go to to give their loved ones a proper burial.

The Director Statement

"I want to make films that are bold, spark debate, and shed light on certain taboos in our culture and region, in hopes of fostering empathy and tolerance," Alyaseer told me while interviewing him, "And I strongly believe that audiences are ready for films like Our Males and Females."

I was inspired to make the film "Our Males and Females" after hearing the story of Bousi, a transgender woman from the Arab region. Bousi spent her entire life seeking approval and acceptance from her family, friends, and wider community. However, even though she received legal approval to transition, she was never able to obtain official gender recognition, which increased her vulnerability to systemic discrimination.

I wondered what would happen to a transgender person upon their death, and whether the discrimination and non-acceptance would still prevail. I wanted to make a film that would challenge stereotypes and allow audiences to think about issues they may not have considered before.

I believe that everyone deserves to be accepted and respected, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. I hope that my film will help to foster empathy and tolerance for transgender people in the Middle East and around the world.

I realize that there will be resistance to such narratives, but I believe that it is important to have these conversations. We need to challenge traditional gender norms and create a more inclusive society for everyone.

Transgender people in the Middle East face several challenges, including discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare. They are also often at risk of violence and harassment. In some countries, transgender people are even criminalized.

The death of a transgender person can be a particularly difficult time for their families. In some cases, families may refuse to bury their transgender loved ones, or they may bury them in a secret location. In other cases, families may be forced to bury their transgender loved ones according to their birth gender, rather than their gender identity.

The film Our Males and Females is an important step in raising awareness of the challenges faced by transgender people in the Middle East, particularly in death. The film is a powerful reminder that transgender people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, even after they die.

The Importance of Transgender Death Rituals

Transgender death rituals are important for several reasons. First, they provide a way for transgender people to be buried in a way that is consistent with their gender identity. This can be important for transgender people who have spent their lives living in their gender identity, and it can also be important for their families.

Second, transgender death rituals can help to raise awareness of the challenges faced by transgender people. By burying their transgender loved ones in a way that is consistent with their gender identity, families can send a message that transgender people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Alyaseer's film is a brave attempt to tackle this difficult subject. He does so with compassion and understanding. He shows the human cost of discrimination and the importance of family and acceptance.

The film also explores the role of Islam in the region -Middle Eastern society.? As Islam is a major religion in the region and its teachings have a significant impact on people's lives. However, Islam is often interpreted in different ways. Some people interpret the teachings of Islam to be more conservative and traditional, while others interpret them to be more liberal and progressive.

Olivewood Film Studios

The Royal Film Commission - Jordan

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