Queer Arab Dramedy Short Film Fundraiser :)

Hi there! My name is Fateema, and I am a Palestinian Canadian filmmaker based in Tkaronto. As I gear up to direct my second short film, I am here to ask for your support if you have the means to give <3

 

عطر (Eitr) *perfume, one's scent or essence* is a Queer Arab Lovestory set at a knockoff perfume warehouse. Mohamed, a closeted Arab wholesale perfume seller attempting to mask his identity with excessive amounts of Polo Sport adjacent cologne, is knocked of centre when a charming customer sees through his act.

 

Synopsis: Grinding away at the inherited family business, Mohamed works tirelessly making sales of knock-off perfume, while living as a knock-off version of his true self. His doting mother Marwa brings him lunch every day and sets up chay dates with potential romantic interests (and their families) what seems like every night.

Inside of this monotony, Mohamed is lying to himself about his sexuality and leaning into the mask of masculinity in order to maintain the expectations of those around him. But in reality, the biggest expectations of how he should be are set by himself.

Then the monotony comes to a screeching halt when an unexpected charming customer enters his shop. Mohamed shares a connection with this beautiful stranger who lives in self-acceptance and who truly sees him underneath the many layers of cologne.

In Eitr, Mohamed’s fear of his true desires will be tested as he is caught off guard by the power of being seen. But can this connection break him out of his performative shell, even for a lingering moment? Eitr explores queerness in the context of Arab culture and family structure, queerness in relationship to grief as well as what leads to the secret worlds that we build for ourselves.

 

I am so blessed to have the most talented and hardworking crew and other beautiful Queer Middle Eastern & BIPOC folks pouring their hearts into this passion project with me to help bring it to life.

 

All of the funds collected will help us pay our cast & crew equitable rates as well as help get the film through post-production & onto the festival circuit! You will get a Special Thanks in our credits of course :)

 

Every little bit helps & SHUKRAN TO THE MOON AND BACK for your support <3 we can't wait for you to see this very special film.

incredible art by Heba Tarek