Filed under: documentary
I enjoy showing documentaries in class. Especially when you tie the documentary to one or two peer-reviewed works and ask students to analyze the film in terms of the article.
I just found a new one that is great for the intersection of religion, nationality and sexuality.
This film analyzes the intersection between Muslim and homosexuality. It shows the lives of many Muslims who are homosexual and their experiences. From Iran, to Turkey, to Egypt and more, the stories are touching and shocking. It reveals that many of these countries have capital punishment for homosexuality. It follows four men who fled from Iran, another to Paris, to escape prision and worse for their sexuality. It shows photos of one man who was flogged 100 times. A lesbian couple talk about their guilt for loving each other. One of them wishes for punishment to assuage this guilt.
While it’s a great film, it is a bit long for a normal class (I think around 120 min). But, I think you could show the first 50 (one class) and cover a great deal without showing the rest of the film. Since it shows a montage of stories, you won’t be missing a part of the story line if you end early.
Also, it’s available on Netflix (the watch now option even), so it’s easy for you to check out. I haven’t picked a reading to go with it yet, as I just found the film (suggestions?).
