Watch Upon the Shadow

Upon the Shadow is a 2017 documentary film directed by Nada Mezni Hafaiedh. The movie is centered around Amina Sboui, a young woman who identifies herself as both a feminist and a queer activist, and her participation in a training program. The training program is designed to help Tunisian LGBTQ activists expand their skillsets on political activism and harness the power of social media to campaign against homophobia and transphobia.

The documentary is a testament to the harsh realities of being LGBTQ in the Arab world, where homophobia and transphobia are rampant, and the LGBTQ community lives in fear of being prosecuted, harassed, or even killed. It follows Sboui and her fellow activists as they participate in the training program and cope with personal struggles, including depression, fear, and rejection from their families and friends.

The film starts with Sboui’s interview for the training program, where she opens up about her struggles with depression and her hopes for the future. The interviews are interspersed with footage of the activists attending workshops and group discussions, where they learn about the importance of storytelling, social media, and activism.

Throughout the film, we come to understand the deeply personal struggles that each of the activists faces. Sboui, for example, is a transgender woman who has faced harassment and arrest for her activism. Sandra Neifer, another participant in the program, is a lesbian who has been disowned by her family and is trying to rebuild her life.

One of the most moving scenes in the film comes when the activists attend a protest and are confronted by a group of angry bystanders. The activists are visibly shaken by the abuse they are receiving, and viewers can feel the pain and fear they experience. Nevertheless, they continue to stand strong and resist the hate.

Throughout the course of the film, we also see the unrelenting support of Sboui’s mother, who appears to be a beacon of hope for her and her fellow activists. Her mother, who is fully aware of her daughter’s gender identity, is supportive of Sboui, and her unconditional love is a reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when Sboui and two other activists are attacked by a group of homophobic men at a party. The attack is brutal and hard to watch, but it serves as a stark reminder of the harsh reality that LGBTQ people face every day.

Overall, Upon the Shadow is a heart-wrenching, poignant documentary that tells the stories of brave individuals fighting for their rights in a world that is often hostile to their existence. The movie shines a light on the struggles of the Arab LGBTQ community and serves as an important reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding.

Upon the Shadow is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.