"There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes." - Doctor Who

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Facebook | A Jihad for Love -A Documentary by Gay Muslim Parvez Sharma

"Name: A Jihad for Love -A Documentary by Gay Muslim Parvez Sharma

Type: Entertainment & Arts - Movies

Description: The people in Parvez Sharma’s new film have a lot to teach us about love. Their pursuit of it has brought them into conflict with their countries, families and even themselves. Such is the quandary of being both homosexual and Muslim, a combination so taboo that very little has even been documented on the subject. Indian Muslim director Sharma bravely enters these territories by illuminating multiple stories as diverse as the many worlds of Islam. Often he filmed in secret when obtaining government permission was not an option.

In the Western media, the concept of jihad is often narrowly equated with “holy war.” However, the literal Arabic meaning is “struggle” or “to strive in the path of God.” We meet several characters in this film engaged in their personal jihads for love. The journey takes us from the Middle East to Europe to South Asia and beyond. In South Africa, the imam Muhsin Hendricks faces condemnation when he publicly comes out of the closet. In Egypt, where homosexuality is outlawed, a young man named Mazen has to flee after being imprisoned and tortured following the well-publicized 2001 raid on Cairo’s “Queen Boat.” Once in Paris, he befriends lesbians from other Muslim countries, and their bonds help to supplant the families left behind.

Where there is struggle, there is also hope. We find a Muslim mother in Turkey accepting her grown daughter’s lesbian partner. And four gay Iranian men seek asylum in Canada, a quest that delivers one of the film’s most emotional moments.

As a Muslim, Sharma makes the film from within the faith, depicting Islam with the same respect the film’s subjects show for it. Producer Sandi DuBowski previously explored similar issues within the Orthodox Jewish community in his acclaimed 2001 documentary, Trembling Before G-d.

For non-Muslims, A Jihad for Love offers a unique look into the complexities of one of the world’s fastest-growing religions. The film works to bridge religious divides and to portray the humanity of its characters. No matter what you believe or where you come from, this film will remind you that we are all engaged in the same struggle – for love.

Contact Info
Email: parvezsharma@gmail.com
Website: ajihadforlove.com
City: New York, NY

Recent News: WORLD PREMIERE OF DOCUMENTARY ‘A JIHAD FOR LOVE’
EXPLORING HOMOSEXUALITY WITHIN ISLAM
AT THE 2007 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

After 12 countries, 9 languages, and 5 1/2 years, After 12 countries, 9 languages, and 5 1/2 years, director Parvez Sharma and producer Sandi DuBowski are proud to announce the World Premiere of A Jihad for Love at The Toronto International Film Festival, September 6-16, 2007. The film is the first feature documentary to explore the complex global intersections between Islam and homosexuality.

From countries as diverse as Iran, South Africa, Egypt, India, Turkey and France, lesbian and gay Muslims speak about their experiences within their religion and their communities, and their desire to find love, relationships and acceptance.

“We are thrilled for such a prestigious global launch of this challenging work,” said Sharma. “I am extremely proud of the hard work that went into this film over the years, to create a cinematic experience that is visually stunning, emotionally moving, daring and challenging.”

“We are living now in challenging times,” added DuBowski, “and both of us believe A Jihad for Love has to do justice to the lives of the subjects. These people courageously came forward to tell their stories despite enormous risks. We have always intended that these stories, and this film, have a profound impact the world over.”

The following screenings are scheduled at the Toronto International Film Festival:

Public, September 9th, 8:30 PM, Cumberland 3
Public, September 11th, 1:15 PM, Royal Ontario Museum
Public, September 15th, 11:59 PM, Varsity 7
Press & Industry, September 10th, 1:30 PM, Cumberland 3
Press & Industry, September 12th, 11:30 AM, Varsity VIP 3

A Jihad for Love has been selected for screening at the Berlin Film Festival, the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival, the Morelia Film Festival (Mexico) and the Rio Film Festival. A Jihad for Love is a five-country co-production of ZDF-Arte, Channel 4, SBS-Australia and LOGO."


I'm sure this would count as inciting religious hatred in some quarters.