Hoch oben

I've seen the actor/dancer/singer Khansa in several gay- or tranny-themed clips from Lebanon. All of them have been inventive and impressive and Warsha is perhaps the best of all.

I am kicking myself for not recognising the accents at first. I used to live in Syria and should have realised the guys were playing Syrian refugees whose dialect is quite different from that spoken in Lebanon.

The music used for the mime coming out of the old transistor radio was Al Atlal (The Ruins), perhaps the crowning glory of the career of Egyptian diva Umm Koulthoum. In fact, this part of the song coming after a long lament to her heart (O Fouadi) is the most exciting and provoking part of the poem. Khansa complements the music perfectly as she begs for her freedom from an indifferent lover and he has found his alone in the crane, away from his tough mates.

I'm so glad I've seen this. I never saw the diva live but have watched dozens of her recorded performances on Rotana Zaman, the MBC "Classics" channel. I'll have a look out for her slot again that used to be 8pm GMT. I'll look out for Khansa's work too. Just one short has provoked so much interest and passion. Definitely recommended.

Just whoa ! Seems enough at the end of this great short film. Because it is just ...perfect, from brilliant acting of. Khansa to the social message reflected by immigrant status of hero, for the dream , for cinematography and music.

A Syrian refuge working as crane.operator in Beirut. Living with other mates in one bathroom building, assuming, each day, work risks, being volunteer for the most dangerous - taller crane as refuge for intimacy and for his dream to become...belly dancer.

The splendid good point is the spectacular poetry of story and image. And the feeling to discover a parable well crafted.

In short, just perfect..

What a powerful short movie, with an impressive photography and solid performance by the main actor.

I wonder what was the song (who sings, what's the title?) that played a key role in the plot.

It's all about vertigo: vertigo at the top of a crane, vertigo of the dance, vertigo of the prayer, and vertigo of expressing a hidden identity. The main character feels like a tightrope walker, navigating so much pressure and obstacles in his life (as a Syrian refugee in Lebanon, as an exploited worker, as someone living precariously and without privacy. And yet, what a tribute to the resilience and poetry of those who hustle on a daily basis.

Very touching and beautiful.