Halim has been married to Mina for a long time, with whom he runs a traditional caftan store in the medina (old town) of Salé, Morocco. The couple has always lived with Halim’s secret – his homosexuality – about which he has learned to keep quiet. However, Mina’s illness and the arrival of a young apprentice upsets this balance. United in their love, each will help the other face his fears.

When Fiona Clark, a young queer photographer exhibits her photography of the LGBTQI community in 1975, she and her friends face the systemic backlash of an oppressive New Zealand society. Unafraid, Fiona gives the middle finger to the patriarchy and we discover how her documentation and contribution to the community has helped transform New Zealand society.

It’s not often that we get to see queer stories from the Middle East and North Africa represented on the big screen. This short film program brings together narratives from across cultures, faiths, and borders in one glorious, unified refrain of love, bravery, defiance of the odds, and finding support through struggle.