‘Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities,’ Exploring the Queer Experience in the Islamic World, Picked Up by Filmotor Ahead of IDFA World Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

As a follower who has lived through the struggles of being an outsider and embracing my identity, I find Raed Rafei’s documentary “Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities” deeply resonant. His journey back to Tripoli, his hometown, mirrors my own experiences of returning to places that once rejected me due to my unique perspectives and identities.

The Prague-based sales company, Filmotor, has acquired global distribution rights for the documentary “Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities,” directed by Lebanese filmmaker Raed Rafei. This film will have its debut at the Frontlight section of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA).

In the movie, queer director Rafei goes back to Tripoli, Lebanon to face a town that once didn’t accept him. He talks to the city’s residents about their traditional views on culture and society, as well as their openness towards new thoughts. This thoughtful film portrays a city struggling with a severe economic downturn, a failing revolution, and an impending sense of disaster.

Michaela Cajkova, the founder of Filmotor, stated that Raed’s heartfelt narrative tackles significant topics relatable worldwide. She appreciates how his movie delves into the queer perspective in Islamic societies, as well as intricate ideas about emigration and identity, having the power to spark meaningful dialogues.

Instead of focusing solely on IDFA, Cajkova mentioned that the company intends to concentrate on film festivals that emphasize LGBTQ+ issues, human rights, social justice, and those specifically dedicated to Arab cinema.

In light of Raed’s academic background, our strategy is to concentrate on film discussions centered around educational institutions such as campuses and libraries in North America. Furthermore, by participating in social media campaigns, hosting dialogue panels, and partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations, we aim to amplify the film’s message and extend its reach to a wider audience, according to Cajkova.

Rafei expressed that Tripoli is his birthplace and where he grew up, deeply connected to its roots. Despite feeling estranged due to the city’s predominantly heteronormative culture as a queer child, there’s a mysterious draw that continues to pull him back whenever he visits, even though he now lives elsewhere.

I discovered methods for navigating my way around the city through cinema. This movie significantly unravels the roots of discriminatory language against the LGBTQ+ community, while also delving into the rich layers and intricacies of feeling connected to one’s hometown. As a resident of Tripoli who is also an outsider, I was able to examine various aspects of the city, viewing it as both a tangible location and an imagined, idealized entity.

Viewed through a unique perspective, this movie offers a poignant depiction of significant and tumultuous events that Lebanon has gone through in recent years, leading up to the current devastating conflict.

In my perspective as a movie critic, I’d say: “I recently came across an intriguing production titled ‘Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities.’ This film is the brainchild of Raed Rafei, under the banner of Anwar Film, and Eliane Raheb. Notably, Raheb’s previous work, ‘Miguel’s War,’ was honored with the prestigious Teddy Award at the Berlinale Film Festival in 2021.

2024-10-30 18:46

‘Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities,’ Exploring the Queer Experience in the Islamic World, Picked Up by Filmotor Ahead of IDFA World Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

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