Atash

A short film by Abu Wael is included. Entitled Diary Of A Male Whore, it is every bit as loaded and metaphorical as the feature. About a sexually frustrated young Arab who leaves his village for Tel Aviv, Wael uses the protagonist’s role as a male prostitute to reflect on the Israeli-Palestine conflict and the 1967 war. An intriguing shot in which the issue of sex - both forced and in consensual relationships - seems to describe how both sides are to blame for the prolonged conflict.

An interview with the director follows. Wael speaks impressive English, and his discussion of the film’s place in Arab and Middle East cinema is fascinating, though it fails to reveal much about his own feelings regarding the conflict, and the questions about non-professional actors bore.

A trailer (Always pointless) and stills gallery round off the package.