Film of Mr Gay Syria may never be seen due to lack of funding
A new film tells the story of the incredible Syrians competing to be Mr Gay Syria – but it’s in desperate need of funding.
The independent film follows the Mr Gay Syria competition, which brings together out Syrians from around the world.
The competition, based in Istanbul, Turkey, seeks to show that LGBT Syrians exist, and challenge perceptions of the Middle-Eastern country.
But now the film may never be seen, as its maker seeks to raise almost £30,000 to cover costs.
Contestants compete through a written test concerning human rights, a talent round, and then the costume rounds, in a bid to find an ambassador for LGBT Syrians.
“The contest was very much a community event”, said the film’s director, Ayse Toprak, told inews.
“It wasn’t just the votes of the judges that counted, the audience votes also mattered. So you can imagine what a spirited event it was”.
Ms Toprak is now asking for donations to cover the costs of post-production so the LGBT contestants’ stories can be seen in full by the world.
Mr Gay Syria – Crowdfunding teaser
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Posted by Mr Gay Syria – Film on Wednesday, February 1, 2017
The man who won the contestant, 24-year-old Hussein Sabat, lost his own boyfriend after Daesh threw him off a building.
“Everyone is scared of ISIS but it doesn’t stop me from living my life. I won’t let them be a barrier and I hate them more than I’m scared.
“I want to show that Syrian gays are not just bodies thrown off buildings by ISIS; we have dreams and ideas and we want to live our lives,” he told MailOnline.
“Of course we were nervous but we we’re excited – we all wanted to be Mr Gay Syria to do something empowering.”
Sabat has felt the effects of Islamic State firsthand, after his boyfriend was murdered four years ago.
“I was with Zakaria for four years, but three years ago ISIS beheaded him,” he explained.
“They sent the execution video to his family – his mother almost went crazy and I couldn’t speak for a month.”
Daesh militants last month executed a teenaged boy in Syria for being gay by throwing him off a roof.
The group has executed hundreds of men for homosexuality as it expands beyond its strongholds.
You can donate to help fund the film here.
