differences and resemblances

Hejer charf wrote and directed a trilogy of short films about differences and resemblances. The films “the arab hand” (la main de fatma) and “tracing my curse” (sur la trace de ma malédiction) are between fiction and reality.   “the music lover” (la mélomane) is fictional.

the music lover (la mélomane)

 © Nadja Productions

 

Selected: -"ARTundressed": an international exhibition in Miami, Montreal, Berlin, Amsterdam and London (2008-2009).
- The 30th Florence International Women Film Festival, Italy, November 2008.
- Arab World Festival, Montreal, November 2008

« I sacrifice my soul to the beautiful distant Arab women
Since they play with me who kisses their homes
If you go astray behind them,
the fragrance they exhale will show you the way.”
Ibn Arabi, mystical Arabic poet (1165-1240) 

« A veiled Muslim women, lying on the floor, listening over and over to the song « I’m a fool to want you » by Billie Holliday. In our tactless age, the resistance to one’s senses is a glory to God and the body of « the music lover » hesitates between sensuality and self-control.
But the state of love escapes all dogmas. Lust and desire takes over every individual no matter how controlled.
My intention was to make neither a provocative nor a flattering film. But a free and open film where religion isn’t in opposition to the softness of intimacy. Today more than ever, we must orient Islam toward the search for pleasure and satisfaction. Reopen the gates to the perfumed gardens that were celebrated by the greatest Arab and Muslim poets. To those spoilsports of Allah’s spirit, I would cite what the Egyptian Sheik Al-Soyouti wrote in the XVth century: « Praise be God who gave us the pleasure to nibble and to deposit our purse at the door to clemency ». The Prophet Mohamed said himself, that of this world he     liked women, perfumes and prayer. » 

Hejer Charf, About the music lover

 

Synopsis :

A veiled Muslim woman is listening to Billie Holiday.

Written and directed by Played by Length: Picture: Sound: Date of production: Country:

Hejer Charf Ishtar 5mn 20sec digital stereo June 2008 Canada (Quebec)

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the arab hand (la main de fatma)

 © Nadja Productions

Synopsis :

An Arab woman roams in Montreal thinking about cultural accommodation practices.

Written and directed by Played by Length: Picture: Sound: Language: Date of production: Produced by: Country:

Hejer Charf Nadine Ltaif 9mn 51sec HDV stereo French June 2008 Nadja Productions Canada (Quebec)

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tracing my curse (sur la trace de ma malédiction)

© Nadja Productions

Synopsis :

An Arab woman makes the journey from Montreal to New York to visit Ground Zero
(the twin towers).

Written and directed by Played by Music: Length: Picture: Sound: Date of production: Produced by: Country:

Hejer Charf Nadine Ltaif Om Kalsoum 14mn 50 sec HDV stereo June 2008 Nadja Productions Canada (Quebec)