Latest news with #LOVEBITES
Egypt Today
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Mahmoud Zain's LOVE BITES Dares to Ask: Can a Woman Even Die Without Being Judged?
In many Arab societies, a girl's life isn't really hers. Her choices belong to her family. Her body becomes their 'honor.' And if she steps out of line, even in secret, it's not just her story at stake, it's their reputation. But what happens when that story comes out after she's dead? LOVE BITES, a short film from director Mahmoud Zain, follows two brothers, Zaher and Murad, who find themselves in conflict over how to perform the ritual washing and shrouding of their deceased sister, Hayam, after discovering love bites on her body. Fearing a scandal as well-wishers and mourners begin to arrive outside, the two brothers and their wives must make a decision that may affect the entire family. Director Mahmoud Zain flips the script with a series of hard-hitting questions: 'What if that body belonged to a woman in a male-dominated society? And even more troubling, what if the discovered matter concerned 'honor?' Would this woman be granted her most basic rights: To be washed, shrouded, and buried according to religious customs? Or would those around her exercise their patriarchal authority and the power of tradition, driven by fear of scandal, disregard the sanctity of the deceased and her rightful rites?' The film stars well-known actor Sedky Sakhr and had its premiere at the Aswan International Women Film Festival — a platform that's all about stories by and about women, and the voices that usually get shut out. LOVE BITES isn't just a film: It's a conversation starter. It throws a spotlight on the harsh truth of how society controls women, even in death. The film dives deep into the pressure women face, constantly having their lives and choices dictated by others. It's all about questioning those outdated traditions that judge women based on their bodies and actions, even after they're gone. The title alone makes you want to know more, but it's the story that hits you hard. Mahmoud Zain challenges the toxic cycle that tries to erase a woman's truth and replace it with a narrative decided by everyone else. Mahmoud Zain is an Egyptian filmmaker who majored in pharmaceuticals before deciding to study directing at the High Institute of Cinema in 2019. He worked as a screenwriter on several series within writing workshops, such as the Egyptian drama THE GODFATHER 1 and the Saudi series BADR'S WILL. LOVE BITES is his directorial debut.
Egypt Today
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
LOVE BITES by Mahmoud Zain to Premiere at Aswan International Women Film Festival
LOVE BITES is a 12-minute dramatic journey like no other, created by Egyptian filmmaker Mahmoud Zain. With its fresh narrative and bold perspective, this film offers a unique look at Egyptian storytelling. It stars famous Egyptian actor Sedky Sakhr and will have its world premiere at the Aswan International Women's Film Festival, where it proudly stands as the only Egyptian film in the official competition. The film follows two brothers, Zaher and Murad, who find themselves in conflict over how to perform the ritual washing and shrouding of their deceased sister, Hayam, after discovering love bites on her body. Fearing a scandal as well-wishers and mourners begin to arrive outside, the two brothers and their wives must make a decision that may affect the entire family. The film stars the well-known Egyptian actor Sedky Sakhr, who commented on his involvement in the film, saying, "What inspired me to be part of this film is its bold subject matter and its approach to the issue from a different perspective. Its participation in a festival dedicated to films about women is a testament to its support for women's causes, as well as the film's strong impact and high artistic value." In addition to Sedky Sakhr, the cast includes Mahmoud Zain, Sohila Alanwar, Nadia Hassan, Mahmoud Yehia, Sara Alaaeldin, and Rowan Alaa Eldin. It was shot by cinematographer Moamen Alameldin and edited by Mohamed Mamdouh. Ali Soliman was the executive producer, and the art director was Mohamed Osama Hassan. Ramy Magdy recorded the sound, with sound design and mix by Amr Soliman. The colorist was Tarek Abdelkader.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UH President responds to Trump executive orders impacting university
HONOLULU (KHON2) — University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel addressed several recent executive orders issued by the Trump administration that could affect the include banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in federally funded programs, eliminating the Department of Education, and prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. Hensel emphasized that she is working closely with Hawaii's congressional delegation, Gov. Josh Green, the state attorney general, and community partners to determine how best to move forward. LOVE BITES is back for Valentine's day 'I want to assure members of this community that leaders across the university are meeting regularly and working hard, in collaboration with the Board of Regents, to determine how we will respond to these orders,' Hensel said. 'We are also working with the governor's team and members of the legislature to ensure a coordinated and thoughtful response.' Hensel stressed the importance of inclusion at UH, stating, 'Every individual on our campuses is a vital member of our ohana. No matter where you came from, who you are, what you believe, or who you love, we see you and you are welcome here.' To facilitate community input, Hensel announced plans to form an advisory council made up of stakeholders from across the UH system. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The council will provide a public forum for discussion, with further details to be announced at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
