BAGHDAD, Iraq — Two young Iraqi filmmakers have been taking on forbidden subjects in their productions despite the risks involved from offending tribal customs and traditions as well as some religious groups. Zamen Ali, who graduated from Baghdad University's Faculty of Fine Arts this year, has produced a short movie featuring a lesbian relationship, while the director, Wareth Kwaish, has finished shooting “Disco Baghdad,” a film about the nightlife of young people in Iraq.

Ali's film takes place against the backdrop of credible threats by militant groups against homosexuals and anyone considered to be flamboyant in some way. Earlier this month, Karar Noushi, a young Iraqi actor and visual arts student, was stabbed and killed after being kidnapped by militias in Baghdad. Last year, Human Rights Watch documented kidnappings, executions and torture of gay men and men perceived to be gay by militia groups, including Muqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army.

Ali's and Kwaish's films have both proven to be award winners, garnering international attention. In May, Ali's film “Gemini” (Al-Jawza) won the Silver Award at Baghdad University's International Film and Television Festival for students at the Faculty of Fine Arts. The film — which tells the story of a girl who has a sexual relationship with a female friend — is scheduled to be screened at the Dubai Film Festival in December.

“Gemini” is Ali’s first short feature. She also stars in it. “Homosexuality has [always] existed in [Iraqi] society, but people do not talk about it,” Ali told Al-Monitor. “I wanted to present something that would examine this idea in a moderate way without coming off as indecent or offensive.”