Appelez-moi Salma sur ARTE partout en Europe
C’est tout à fait par hasard qu’on a découvert hier que Appelez-moi Salma a joué sur ARTE les 9 et 16 novembre dernier! On savait déjà que la vente du film à la chaine franco-allemande avait été officialisée, mais on ne connaissait pas encore les dates de diffusion.
Hélas! on l’a découvert un peu trop tard… mais n’empêche, on est très heureux de savoir que tous les Européens on pu voir le film à la télé! En plus, ARTE en a fait la diffusion sur Internet jusqu’au 21 novembre. Quelqu’un s’est même amusé à copier le film et à mettre les 15 premières minutes sur YouTube.
Call me Salma @ Vancouver Queer Film Fest
Hello Everybody!
Our documentary Call me Salma will be playing at the Vancouver Queer film Festival, August 13th @5pm. Go check it out if you haven’t already! Spread the word, spread the love!
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS
Entrevue radio: Appelez-moi Salma
Plus tôt cette semaine nous avons fait une entrevue pour l’émission ‘Aujourd’hui le Monde’ à Radio Ville-Marie. Si vous avez manqué la diffusion la voici.
Interview on CBC radio’s Masala Canada
Hello,
If you have a few minutes to spare check out the interview i did on CBC radio’s Masala Canada
Click here to listen to it. I get on roughly 39 minutes into the show.
thanks again,
Another article about ‘Call me Salma’
Hello,
There’s a new article out about our documentary ‘Call me Salma‘. It was written for this week’s Concordian.
Thanks again,
Article de Salma sur le site de Kalibre Québec
Psst! Jettez un coup d’oeil au site Kalibrequebec.com, il y a un bon article en ligne!!
Psst! If you have time, go and visit the website Kalibrequebec.com, there’s a good article online!!
+
Time for FFM screenings/Heures des présentations au FFM
Hi,
‘Appelez-moi Salma’ will be playing alongside another documentary at the ‘Cinéma du quartier latin’ on:
27th of august 17h30 theatre L14.
29th of august 19h20 theatre L14.
30th of august 14h50 theatre L14.
Note that the film is only subtitled in French.
See you there!!!
—
Notre documentaire ‘Appelez-moi Salma’ jouera avec un autre documentaire au Cinéma du quartier latin’ :
Le 27 août 17h30 théatre L14.
Le 29 août 19h20 théatre L14.
Le 30 août 14h50 théatre L14.
Pour plus de détails cliquez ici
On se voit là!!
‘Appelez-moi Salma’ Sélection Officielle du FFM 2010/Official Selection of the WFF 2010
Our documentary ‘Appelez-moi Salma’ will have it’s north American premiere at the Montreal World Film Festival this summer.
Date, place and time to come soon!!!
Watch the trailer in HD by clicking here
Notre documentaire ‘Appelez-moi Salma’ jouera en primeur nord-américaine au Festival des Films du Monde de Montréal cet été.
Date, lieu et heure à venir bientôt!!!
Download ‘Call me Salma’ Flyer
Some people in the past have asked us if we had a flyer or press kit for our documentary ‘Call me Salma/Appelez-moi Salma‘
Finally, here it is, please click here to download it. Sorry it’s only in English.
Better late then never right?
Il y a du monde qui nous on demandé si on avait un dépliant ou ciné-fiche pour notre documentaire ‘Call me Salma/Appelez-moi Salma‘
Finalement, le voici, svp cliquez ici pour le télécharger. Désolé il est seulement en anglais.
Mieux vaut tard que jamais n’est-ce pas?
Premier article sur ‘Appelez-moi Salma’/First article about ‘Call me Salma’
Après avoir lu cet article à propos de notre doc, on a l’impression d’avoir réalisé un film d’aventure.
After having read this article about our doc, we get the impression that we directed an adventure flick.
‘Appelez-moi Salma’ Minuit, Le soir du 6 avril, sur DIRECT 8
Finalement! Finally!
http://www.direct8.fr/program/appelez-moi-salma/
Qui aurait cru il y a un an que Salma serait à la télé en France.
Who would of thought a year ago that Salma would be on Tv in France.
‘Appelez-moi Salma’ Unofficial premier
Hey everybody. If you’re in Montreal and have nothing to do on sunday afternoons come check out our documentary. Entry is free so tell your friends! See you there
‘Call me Salma’ ‘Appelez-moi Salma’ the documentary is done!
Hello all,
it’s obviously been a while since our last post, primarily because we’ve been extremely busy finishing the documentary.
Now that it’s complete, have a look at some of the ‘behind the scene pictures’
http://picasaweb.google.com/aude.lerouxlevesque/TournageDeAppelezMoiSalma#
much more pictures/info/videos to come
thanks,
research article on Bangladeshi Hijras
An lengthy article to read if you want to finally get the facts straight about Hijras in Bangladesh. Published by ICDDRB.Written in collaboration by our good friend Joya Sikder
thanks
The Evergreen Facebook group is up
If you are in need of more frequent Evergreen updates we suggest that you join our Evergreen project Facebook group.
Si vous voulez encore plus d’info sur notre project; joignez vous à notre groupe Facebook.
Joignez vous en cliquant ici – Join by clicking here
thanks-merci
EVERGREEN DEMO!
The Evergreen demo is finally up!
After an exhaustive and emotional pre-shoot we managed
to pull something together and edit a short demo.
Watch it, talk about it, write about it,
thank you Salma and Pinky
Version française
thanks for watching
Hijras strut their stuff
‘We were honored this week to have been spectators at a Hijra ramp show. We were both really proud to see the Hijras we know strut their stuff with tremendous confidence and precision, more pictures to come.’
http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=92554&cid=21
by Fahmida Wadud Chaity
Dhaka, Aug 18 (bdnews24.com)—The audience at a show titled “Agony and Ecstasy,” at the National Museum on Tuesday, were treated to a unique event as Hijras took to the catwalk in a fashion show as part of the programme’s aim to to sensitise the larger community on transgender issues.
The programme, also aiming to create awareness about the risks of HIV/AIDS and drug-use, was organised by the Bandhu Social Welfare Society, which works for the wellbeing of the socially excluded “males and their partners” through the provision of sexual health services, support of their human rights and alternate livelihoods.
Shale Ahmed, executive director of BSWS told bdnews24.com, “They are regularly stigmatised in many ways, which harm their self esteem. They tend to think they are useless. They feel isolated and excluded.”
“This particular programme is a part of our protest against the stigma. It is an effort to make the community feel empowered.”
The fashion show aimed to showcase the Hijra/transgender sense of fashion and style. Their vivid make overs, performance and attitude on the catwalk expressed self-belief and appeal.
“We wanted to give them a sense of empowerment, so that they can feel they too can contribute in the society.”
People from all walks of society attended the “dazzling event”. Tisa, a trendy young member of the audience, said, “I really liked it. It is amazing to think that a Hijra fashion show can take place in Bangladesh.”
The chance to perform in a glitzy fashion show, at the National Museum auditorium, in front of a diverse audience will certainly boost the Hijras’ confidence and at the same time sensitise people about their issues, Shale said.
Asked if BSWS had any intention to promote ‘Hijra culture’ in the larger community, he said, “We are in exactly in the process of doing that. Bringing many of them together from different parts of Bangladesh was very difficult. They were scattered before coming under our umbrella.”
“But those who were interested to work for their own community, we gave them the chance by setting up their own centres.”
The centres, named Shustho Jibon (Healthy Life), are managed by the Hijras themselves. BSWS’s role is to provide logistical support.
The Hijras, who find few opportunities to make a living outside the sex trade, gain self-esteem, vocational and life skills training such as sewing and dancing, as well as information on the risks of drug-use, HIV/AIDS and other STDs through the centres.
Speaking of society’s prevailing attitude to this marginalised and stigmatised community, Shala said, “The way they are, they are. It is not a matter of right or wrong. It is our problem that we cannot accept them.”
BSWS envisions a society where every person, irrespective of their gender and sexuality preferences, is accepted as equal.
Twenty-eight year-old Payel, who took to the catwalk that evening, said, “I am so happy to be here and taking part in the fashion show.”
Payel, who joined Shustho Jibon 11 years ago, said, “We are working for our own well-being and human rights.” She said they also try to check HIV/ AIDS and other STDs within their community.
“I have gained confidence joining Shustho Jibon, and of course after taking part in this show tonight!”
None of Payel’s family came to cheer her on the catwalk but, on a personal note, she told bdnews24.com that her family did keep in touch with her.
Payel is lucky. Many Hijras are disowned by their own families. “Initially it was tough to convince my family about my activities and our community. But now they are fine with it,” she said.
“I am what I am from the day I came out from my mother’s womb. There was nothing to do about it, but to accept it,” said Payel.
Part 2 – Faith in the new
Husain Amer, a friend from Montreal currently living in China, will be our guest writer for 4 little chronicles about Dhaka inspired by his visit in July.
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What awoke me was something quite magical. At 4:50, I get woken up by the Hazan, the call to prayer for the mosque on the other side of the lake. “Allahwho Akbar …”
These were words I haven’t heard in a long time and it felt quite spiritual. I haven’t prayed in a long time. I do recite the only piece of the Koran I know “Al Fatiha” – the opening. It relaxes me and brings me to rest when I am in fear. I will probably sneak my way into a mosque during my trip and pray, at least once.
In the morning, Seb and Aude had to take care of their visas. We went to the visa office, which was quite a mess. There was no one really to give directions. I saw Seb and Aude switch counters probably 6 times during our 1 hour there. But they got what they needed and we were on our way!
What came after was something I was waiting for since I’ve heard about Seb and Aude’s project. Evergreen is the reason Sébastien Rist and Aude Leroux-Lévesque came to Bangladesh in the first place. In this country populated mainly with Muslim believers and practitioners, there is a small group called the Hijras who are shunned from this society.
To simplify, they are the gays, transvestites and transsexuals of Bangladesh who have formed a support group and 3 learning centers for others like them. In this center, they get free STD and HIV education and testing. Seb and Aude have been giving them free English lessons while getting closer to them and earning their trust. Soon enough they will take out the camera and start following these fascinating individuals.
I arrived to one of the three centers expecting really rowdy, loud and extroverted people. I was surprised when they first were quite respectful and quiet, curious about my presence, asking me common questions.
The class Seb and Aude had prepared was watching ‘Paris is Buring’, a film about gays and transsexuals in New York during the 1990s. A little bit into the film, we asked the class if I could film the class and they didn’t mind. I took out the camera and started filming. This was quite a feeling. To be one of the first getting coverage of this community and personalities but at the same time, I was thinking to myself “what will my Dad say…”
They loved the camera as most flashy personalities would. I got flashed by one of them… Afterwards, we had two of them dance for the camera. They really enjoyed themselves.
I said my goodbyes but not without being invited to a spiritual event. Can’t wait to see what happens there and Yes, I will be bringing my camera!
Three Hijras from the class Seb and Aude taught. The paper reads: "Plz coll me, I am gay" with a phone number...
trying to get our heads around it…
As it was described in our last blog, the more we immerse ourselves into our project, the more we realize we don’t know. The more we get to know our subjects, the more we realize they live a complex, multi-layered life. This consequently only continues us to ask more questions, rather then giving us the answers we want to get.
And as much as this might seem frustrating I’m extremely happy that this is happening, because this seriously forces us to think of what we want to show and for what reasons. Many people always ask us, ‘so why Hijras? What brought you here to do this?’ This answer is pretty simple since after having visited Bangladesh, we heard a bit about them. While doing research back home little information was found, but what we did find was extremely fascinating and vague. All the elements of mystery that shrouded the Bangladeshi Hijras made us believe that they would be perfect subjects for our documentary. We were excited to be get information that no one had previously gotten and even more excited to show it the way we wanted.
Amongst all of this we’ve come to realize that we are faced with a huge dilemma. We want to create a documentary that is told like a fictional story, i.e. no interviews, no one looking at the camera describing facts.. etc.. The last thing we wanted were specialists describing and categorizing facts. So this said, in order to create a compelling story with a narrative arc; we’ll therefore need, to a certain extent, to romanticize the story, i.e. create mystery and above all entertainment.
But this is where our problem lies; we continue to preach that we want to show that the Hijras are individuals just like us, who are in search of love, friendship and above all happiness. Filming them through our narrative story-telling lens might only personify them into exactly what we don’t want them to be shown as: mysterious secretive and different.
Although I often lose sleep thinking about what I have just expressed, I’m still confident that we can cross this fine line between demystification and romantization and give the audience something representational as well as entertaining.
Only time will tell, inchallah!
Joya reads out the rules and duties to the new elected members of the hijra group (Shojeton Shilpi Shanga)
Evergreen project press kits available for download
Direct your attention to the links column where you can download our Evergreen press kit and learn more about our project.
Visitez les liens de la colonne de gauche où vous pouvez trouver et télécharger notre dossier de presse Evergreen, et en apprendre davantage sur notre projet.
Réflexions
Nous sommes arrivés au Bangladesh il y a trois mois, sachant que nous étions tout à fait ignorants du monde des Hijras. Quand les rencontres, les lectures et les amis se sont accumulés, nous avons commencé à comprendre ce qu’est une Hijra, ce que cela veut dire d’être trans-genre ou gai au Bangladesh, et aussi comment cela était interprété différemment par nous que par la société Bangladaise. Or, les nuances concernant le genre, l’orientation sexuelle et le mode de vie des Hijras nous font réaliser qu’il est très difficile, voire même risqué, de vouloir catégoriser les gens et de vouloir les faire entrer dans un moule, de vouloir les étiqueter.
Nous avons rencontré un ami leader du seul groupe Facebook gai du Bangladesh, qui s’appelle Boys of Bangladesh (BOB). Il nous a fait réalisé que dans un pays comme le Bangladesh, où la pauvreté entraîne souvent une éducation limitée, le manque d’information concernant l’homosexualité peut pousser de jeunes hommes gais à penser qu’ils sont Hijras (qui, au sens plus stricte, sont transsexuelles) et à vouloir s’intégrer dans cette communauté où ils pourront enfin s’épanouir.
Cette discussion fut une révélation pour nous. Après avoir connu de nombreuses Hijras qui s’habillent en homme la majorité du temps et qui ne semblent pas avoir de désir profond de devenir femme, nous avons compris que dans ce pays, les étiquettes « gai », « travesti » et « transsexuel » sont attachées beaucoup moins facilement, que les limites entre l’un et l’autres sont plus floues. Et n’est-ce pas ainsi que ça devrait être? Est-ce si important de savoir si quelqu’un est strictement transsexuel, ou s’il est gai et/ou aime s’habiller en femme à l’occasion? Nous réfléchissons…
Membres du groupe Shojeton Shilpi Shanga, à qui on enseigne l’anglais.
