Night of Love

I watched this as part of a "The Male Gaze" anthology. To me it was pure propaganda attempting to portray Arabs as fully integrated members of society in occupied Palestine. There were even two stereotypes, the faggy Arab bottom and the powerful romanticised Arab top with the massive equipment. Unfortunately no real Arabs were playing the parts meant to be for Palestinians.

More extolling of the Hebrew state came with the revelation that the guys partying were on HIV therapy that had made their viral loads undetectable. If only that privilege extended over the border.

This film is one of the ones that left the strongest impressions on me from the collection despite my reservations about it. However, my strong memories of it might just be provoked by the amount of man flesh on display and the near-porny action. I'm not immune to the attractions of butch Arab guys. I live in an Arab country and the faux-Arab lead juxtaposed with the Russian Jewish soldier was an exciting pairing and I can understand Yonaton's longing.

Worth watching but with care for the pinkwashing.