GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — I downloaded the French-Tunisian movie “Blue is the Warmest Color,” particularly because it won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite the chronic electricity shortages in Gaza, I downloaded and watched the movie depicting the lives of two lesbians with all their woes, disappointments and isolation, shedding light on the challenges of their sexuality. I was shocked by the explicit scenes in the movie. But Tunisian director Abdullatif Kechiche portrayed the scenes in an innovative and unrestrained way, integral to the plot.
The following morning, I was going to interview Palestinian actresses about the challenges they face in Gaza. Here, I was shocked in a different way, by the hypocrisy these actresses face.
“Abu Ayed Diaries” is a drama series produced in the Gaza Strip and shown on Hona al-Quds TV. The 15-minute episodes tackle everyday problems in Palestinian society through the story of a family, and mainly focus on issues between spouses Abu Ayed and Um Ayed. Each episode has been filmed in a different house – mainly owned by friends of the crew – because of the lack of studio space and production resources.
The problem of this oppression of actresses goes even further: Caution is advised during shooting when dealing with the three actresses. They keep their veils on even in the house that is supposed to be their home, which is not customary. Female actresses are not even allowed to approach male actors.
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