In commemoration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day), Tropical Fruits present BEIRUT DREAMS IN COLOR

Award-winning filmmakers Michael Collins, Marty Syjuco, James Costa & Sarah Kasakas bring us the remarkable story of a revolution that will not be televised, but sung (28 mins. DCP, ProRes 422, In English & Arabic with English subtitles).

SYNOPSIS:
At a concert in Cairo, the biggest band in the Middle East, Mashrou’ Leila, energizes a crowd of 35,000 people. On stage, the charismatic lead singer, Hamed, the first openly gay rock star in the Arab world, faces a sea of swaying flickering lights. Among the incandescence, a fan raises a giant rainbow flag, capping off a magical night. Yet, that one simple act of pride and joy would ultimately catapult the band, the fan and others headlong into a tragic series of events.
Award-winning director Michael Collins brings us the timely story of a trailblazing rock band, a courageous fan, and a queer activist’s daunting battle against religious extremists for equality in some of the most hardline places in the world. BEIRUT DREAMS IN COLOR is, simultaneously, a rare and nuanced look into the LGBTQ politics of the Middle East, and a moving testament to the power of music, and the universal desire for freedom.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This film discusses themes of suicide and violence & presents content that some people may find triggering. Please consider this before attending this screening. There will be counsellors attending the event for any one who would like support after the viewing.

FROM THE DIRECTOR:
During a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack in many parts of the world, including in the United States, my hope with this film is to elevate the conversation on the vulnerability experienced by individuals from minority communities in countries where religious conservatism and political extremism are on the rise. Systemic institutionalization of hate is always a looming danger that one must prevent to protect those who are ‘soft targets’ of increasingly polarized societies. What starts out as isolated incidents of hate and bigotry can often spiral into more devastating consequences for communities that are already struggling to find their voice in safe spaces. Despite the push-back from extremists and the indifference from other quarters of societies, some are born leaders who inspire us with a sense of hope and enthusiasm, even amidst troubling realities.

EVENT DETAILS:
Join us from 6pm for drinks and chatting. Film screening will commence around 6:30pm. There will be an hour after the screening to sit and discuss the film together.

Donation based tickets from $5 - Cash & electronic donations also accepted on the evening.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED BACK TO THE FILM MAKERS

Tropical Fruits would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which we will gather, the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. Sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, Always will be, Aboriginal land.