In this sensual visual and musical essay by Mohammad Shawky Hassan, Arab folktales, animation, Egyptian pop and the filmmaker's personal love diary form stories that playfully unfold through conversations between Scheherazade, a narrator who never comes into view, and ghosts of former lovers. Heteronormativity is challenged: lovers ask each other about threesomes, Grindr contacts and past dates. Pop clichés are twisted, heartache permeates the men’s singing, and poems by Wadih Saadeh are read out while a lover’s dirty laundry is aired.

Outburst is proud to have contributed development support to this deeply original queer work that goes beyond conventional film narrative to create a fresh, erotic and beautifully playful portrayal of gay male relationships and connection.

Mohammad Shawky Hassan is an Egyptian filmmaker and video artist living and working in Berlin. His last film And on a Different Note was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York as part of its permanent collection.

Outburst brings you the very best in new and classic queer cinema in partnership with QFT. Visit outburstarts.com for full details of the festival programme, taking place 11th-19th November.