The teasing title of filmmaker Paul Moreira's documentary belies the actual horror of its subject: the shocking surge in sexual harassment and violence unleashed on women during and after the chaotic days of Egypt's "Arab Spring." Combining archival footage with more recent interviews and guerrilla filmmaking on the streets in Egypt, this confrontational work suggests that the headline-making movement's rejection of government oppression carried over into a collapse of culture-based sexual repression. But the result was not so much liberation for women, as it was perversion by a patriarchal society. Despite the crucial role of women in bringing about the Arab Spring—taking the same risks as men during demonstrations and subjected to the same brutality by the military—gangs of Egyptian men preyed upon women and continue to do so, largely with impunity. The camera repeatedly captures moments of men following and circling women in broad daylight and open spaces, and then rationalizing their behavior by blaming their victims. The film suggests that concomitant with the national crisis are unmistakable signs of a war on women, including a rise in genital mutilation, loss of freedoms, and a crackdown on clothing and appearance. A disturbing and thought-provoking look at an ugly byproduct of the fight for freedom in Egypt, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
In Bed with the Arab Spring
(2012) 54 min. In Arabic, English & French w/English subtitles. DVD: $300. DRA. Film Platform (avail. from www.filmplatform.net). PPR. Volume 30, Issue 2
In Bed with the Arab Spring
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