This was probably taken in the early 1980’s. I remember New York back then and the WTC buildings.
Thinking about 9/11 and that surreal morning.
Category: Blog
PRESS QUOTES
Like a bargain-basement version of Gaspar Noé’s Enter the Void, this Chicago-shot feature by Usama Alshaibi (Nice Bombs) uses a panoply of shock tactics—rapid editing, blurry superimpositions, drug use, and S-M—to evoke nauseous fascination with the sexual underworld. And like Noé, Alshaibi seems as curious about religious transcendence as degradation. The heroine, a Jordanian immigrant, works contentedly as a dominatrix but wants to reconnect with her Muslim roots; scenes of her lurid career alternate with a sweet subplot in which she befriends a religiously devout Middle Eastern cabdriver. Though certainly not for the squeamish, the movie is a striking story of life in the Arab diaspora, aided rather than undermined by its occasional narrative incoherence. —Chicago Reader
Torn between ecstasy and submission, Muna takes an unorthodox path to enlightenment, one that Profane dramatizes with documentary methods and psychedelic imagery. Alshaibi demonstrates that true reverence sometimes requires transgression. – The Boston Phoenix
This is one of the most heretical and daring visions of sexuality ever filmed, transgressive in a way comparable to how Last Tango in Paris was 40 years ago and Shortbus five years ago. Iraqi-American filmmaker Usama Alshaibi probes the psyche and mileu of Muna, a Muslim dominatrix for whom extreme kink and piety are blended seamlessly into her life. Manal Kara gives what is simply one of the most courageous and sexually penetrating performances ever filmed. It’s on a par with the sexual breakthrough performances of the iconic films of Nagisa Oshima (In the Realm of the Senses, Taboo). Moreover, erotic guilt-driven fantasies of the American soldier comprise an added fascinating layer to this magnificent work. Arguably the best movie ever to be set in Chicago. – Lavender Magazine
My wife, daughter and I recently arrived in Boulder, Colorado where I will be attending the University of Colorado for my MFA in Film Studies.
My sister, brother and mother all live in this area. We are very happy to be here!
Here I am with my daughter and my brother in my mother’s house.
I used to live in Boulder back in 1988 when I was just a young punk and washing dishes to get by
Please listen to what Adam Yauch says about Arabs and Muslims at 6:30. They are receiving this important award and Adam Yauch really uses his time to say something to the American people. Keep in mind this is 1998, before 9/11. What he was saying in 1998 is completely revelvant now. Rest in Peace dear Adam and thank you for speaking up. I remember watching this when I was 28 and being very moved by him.
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We are pleased to announce the DVD Release of Profane for June 19! Press should contact Clint at MVD for screeners (info linked below)
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs081/1102557630070/archive/1109797507580.html
You can also pre-order here http://mvdb2b.com/s/Profane/MVD5387D
This is part 6 of a painting/video series I started back in 2008. In versions 1-5 I utilized real paint, being used on paper in some form, and recorded on video. All of this video-paint material is combined and manipulated in various ways to create a new work. There are additional video-audio components that are linked, sewn into and essential to each piece.
With this new mutation in the series I could not faithfully use the word ‘Painting’ since no paint was used. I never meant for the title to be that literal, but that is the unifying link for My Paintings 1-5. No paint was used in Number 6 just video mattes of color and documents from my pocket video camera. I also changed the ‘canvas’ to a vertical position.
I’m finally a father now! Her name is Muneera Cinema Alshaibi. If you break down the meaning of Muneera and Cinema it means brilliant light in motion. We had a mello and easy delivery. No doctors were involved in the labor, all midwives and a fantastic doula. Kristie was very strong and just pushed a few times before baby Muneera came out. I was there the whole time helping and I also cut the cord! She is a curious girl with dark hair, big eyes and golden skin. She has my nose and her mother’s lips.
My heart is filled with love for my daughter. My wife Kristie and I are very proud parents.
Here she is…
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Award winning motion picture Profane needs some help to be completed. The films needs a final sound mix and some minor color correction. After that the film will be pressed onto DVD and shipped out for you! This film has been completely financed independently through producers Kristie and Usama Alshaibi.
Please listen to director Usama Alshaibi’s personal message and watch clips from the film. Click here to help fund this project!
Gene Siskel Center, Chicago Underground Film Festival, Profane Chicago premiere, June 3 & 8, 2011.
I was her first. She was 22 when I was born in Baghdad in 1969. My father was away studying in the USA. My Palestinian Grandfather names me Usama, like the lion.
