EGYPT Film: Sex and jealousy

August 25, 2008 · Filed Under Films and Documentaries, Islamic Egypt, Modern Egypt, Modern Egyptian Culture

Aiten Amin’s first short movie, “Her Man,” has gained wide acclaim among movie fans and several critics in Egypt. The rising director surprised many Muslim viewers with an unflinching glimpse into the sexual and moral codes of Egypt’s urban poor.

Given her economic dependency on her husband, Zeina, the movie’s leading character, was forced to submit to the latter’s decision to take a younger bride for his second wife and move her into the same house. Yet Zeina’s submission was not complete. Here lies the most incendiary component of the story: To oust her adversary, she slept with her, leaving a mark on her breast to make their common husband, Sobhi, think that his new wife was cheating on him.

The movie is based on a short story by the renowned London-based Egyptian novelist Ahdaf Soueif. It shows how women in a particular social stratum are obsessed with sexuality. This point was well conveyed through the portrayal of the husband. Viewers never see Sobhi’s face, only his hands, lips and hairy chest. By focusing on his flesh, the director showed that the sexual component was a crucial element for the jealous wife.

Since it came out it in January 2007, “Her Man” was screened in many places around the world, including the U.S., France and Italy. It was awarded two prizes at home, including a best-movie prize at a newly launched film festival last week.

Los Angeles Times