Our Males and Females
A father and mother are faced with the painful task of washing and shrouding their transgender daughter. Shrouding is an Islamic religious practice that is deemed obligatory to carry out upon death. But when no one agrees to wash her and shame falls onto the family, how far is the father willing to go to make sure his "son" is washed?
Interview with Writer/Director Ahmad Alyaseer
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
As a film writer and director, I want to make films that are bold, spark debate and challenge stereotypes, allowing audiences to think about issues they may not have considered before and shed light on certain taboos in their culture and region, in hopes of fostering empathy and tolerance. And I strongly believe that audiences are ready for films like Our Males and Females.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I believe we all watch films so that we can.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Our main theme is disapproval and nonacceptance which I feel are very relatable. We’ve all been in a situation where we got disapproved. This usually comes from traditions, religion or personal differences. In a time when the whole world is open to each other, yet many still fight to be accepted, and it’s really sad!
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The short is inspired by a feature film that we wrote in a span of years, the feature got many awards and development funds.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I'm super glad that so far we are getting very positive feedback, people are touched by the story regardless of their background which is amazing.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I wanted the story to be perceived by anyone, whether they are from the Arab region or not, conservative or non-conservative... etc. It was challenging to achieve that but I feel we did it. Let's wait until the film is seen by the public.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Reach a wider audience and a specific one.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
A film is a collaborative work between everyone, whether cast, crew, journalists or distributors. They all work for one purpose; to make the film seen and the message to be reached.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want to challenge stereotypes and shed light on topics that are considered taboo in our region. As a storyteller, I want my stories to be touched and trigger questions that people are afraid to ask.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What would happen to a transgender person upon their death? Would discrimination and nonacceptance still prevail?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Our Males and Females (Feature Film)
To Him We Return (Feature Film)
Samandal (TV Series)
Interview: January 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Our Males and Females
A father and mother are faced with the painful task of washing and shrouding their transgender daughter. Shrouding is an Islamic religious practice that is deemed obligatory to carry out upon death. But when no one agrees to wash her and shame falls onto the family, how far is the father willing to go to make sure his "son" is washed?
Length: 11:00
Director: Ahmad Alyaseer
Producer: Mais Salman
Writer: Rana Alyaseer and Ahmad Alyaseer
About the writer, director and producer:
AHMAD ALYASEER is a Jordanian director, producer and writer. He recently directed the Emmy Award nominated kids' show: Ahlan Simsim - Sesame Workshop. His Sci-Fi experimental feature: When Time Becomes a Woman (2012) was screened at various film festivals including Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival. Additionally, Ahmad has more than nine years of experience directing and producing TV series for regional platforms including Shahid, VIU and MBC.
Key cast: Kamel El Basha (The Father), Shafiqa Al Tal (The Mother)
Looking for: journalists and film festival directors
Twitter: @aialyaseer
Instagram: @aialyaseer
Hashtags used: #OurMalesAndFemales
Other: IMDb
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Slamdance Film Festival - Utah, USA.
Monday 23rd Jan at Crescent Room 5:30-6:30
Wednesday 25th Jan at Ballroom 10:00-12:00
Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival - France
Saturday 28th Jan - 16h00 - Conchon
Sunday 29th Jan - 13h00 - Capitole
Monday 30th Jan - 14h30 - Horizon
Tuesday 31st Jan - 20h00 - Lumière
Wednesday 1st Feb - 21h30 – Cocteau
Thursday 2nd Feb - 10h00 - Agnès Varda
Friday 3rd Feb - 21h30 – Possibles
Saturday 4th Feb - 14h30 - Horizon