Birds of the Borderlands

2019, Arabic, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine,

Director: Jordan Bryon
Release Year: 2019

Synopsis:

"Birds of the Borderlands" (2019) is a powerful and intimate 93-minute documentary directed by genderqueer Australian filmmaker Jordan Bryon. This guerrilla-style documentary offers a glimpse into the lives of four queer Arabs who face life-threatening risks to live authentically in societies that punish non-conformity. The film focuses on individuals who, due to their sexual or gender identities, have been pushed to the margins of their families, communities, and even entire countries.

 

The documentary follows the stories of Hiba, a Bedouin trans girl escaping her tribe to avoid her transition being discovered; Youssef, a gay Iraqi refugee haunted by the murder of his boyfriend, waiting for his fate in limbo; Khalaf, a gay Imam turned LGBT activist who seeks asylum abroad after being violently attacked by his family; and Rasha, a young Jordanian feminist in a relationship with Bryon, who is determined to support these individuals but remains unaware of the sacrifices required for freedom in a region where honor is often valued more than blood. Filmed on location in Jordan, "Birds of the Borderlands" explores complex themes such as gender identity, discrimination, sacrifice, and the power of love, offering viewers a unique perspective on queer life in the Middle East. Through the lens of Bryon’s camera, the film delves deep into the intersection of personal identity and cultural resistance. As a genderqueer person themselves, Bryon adds a personal dimension to the project, which became far more than just an observational documentary. Bryon, who prefers the pronouns they/them, had lived in the Middle East for several years before embarking on the project and chose to include their own journey in the narrative.

 

At its core, "Birds of the Borderlands" is a reflection of Bryon’s intimate connections with the people whose stories are featured. These relationships, built on trust and shared vulnerability, are central to the emotional impact of the film. Bryon’s aim was to capture authentic queer experiences in the region while navigating the complexities of documenting a community that faces constant risk. The film's structure is shaped not only by the stories of Hiba, Youssef, Khalaf, and Rasha but also by Bryon’s evolving understanding of their own identity in the context of a culture that is often hostile to gender and sexual diversity. Bryon’s arrival in Jordan was serendipitous. Originally intending to stay for three months, they ended up spending a year and a half in the region, further immersing themselves in the lives of queer Arabs. The film captures a series of deeply personal moments, from the fragile hopes of refugees like Youssef, who remains stuck in bureaucratic limbo, to the quiet defiance of young individuals like Hiba, who struggles with her trans identity within her conservative Bedouin family. These individuals' experiences are presented in such a way that the audience is forced to reckon with the realities of being queer in a region that remains largely hostile to LGBTQ+ individuals. 

 

The decision to include Bryon’s own story in the film was a turning point in the filmmaking process. Initially, they had no intention of making themselves a subject of the film, but as Hiba reached out to share her journey, Bryon found it impossible to remain entirely behind the camera. They became an active participant in the lives of the people they were documenting, and this intimacy and involvement shine through in the film’s raw and emotional narrative. Hiba, for instance, initially communicated with Bryon over the phone due to her family’s surveillance of her, and when she eventually made the difficult decision to leave home, her story took a series of unexpected and harrowing turns. One of the most poignant moments in the film is when Bryon reflects on their own search for gender identity and belonging, paralleling Hiba’s struggle with being caught between worlds, neither fully one thing nor another. In the film, Bryon often chooses to conceal the identities of those featured, particularly Rasha, who insisted on being part of the film despite the potential risks. Rasha's family had already shown hostility toward her feminism, and Bryon feared that revealing her face or voice could expose her to severe retribution. Rasha’s courage in wanting to be seen and heard is deeply moving, yet Bryon’s decision to protect her safety highlights the ever-present dangers queer Arabs face. 

 

Despite their fears, Bryon trusted the integrity of the film’s eventual release, especially with the help of organizations like Queerscreen, who ensured the safety of those involved. What stands out most in "Birds of the Borderlands" is the way it emphasizes the power of human connection. Bryon’s filmmaking is often secondary to the relationships they form with the people they document. There are moments in the film when the camera is absent, revealing the deep trust between Bryon and their subjects, and the sense of shared experience that transcends the documentary's traditional role. A particularly raw scene features Youssef, at his breaking point, lashing out at Bryon in frustration as he contemplates returning to Iraq. This moment, marked by emotional tension, adds another layer of complexity to Bryon’s role as both a filmmaker and a compassionate ally. While "Birds of the Borderlands" explores the risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the Middle East, it also offers a critique of the often voyeuristic and Western-centric way in which Arab and Muslim lives are portrayed in media. Bryon’s decision to center the voices of the people they document—rather than imposing an outsider’s perspective—shows their commitment to a more ethical and nuanced approach to storytelling. By making themselves part of the film’s narrative, Bryon avoids the typical “savior complex” that often accompanies Western portrayals of marginalized communities in the region. 

 

The film’s honest portrayal of queer life in the Arab world, coupled with Bryon’s deep understanding of the cultural and personal stakes involved, makes "Birds of the Borderlands" a groundbreaking work. It is not merely a documentary about the challenges queer Arabs face, but also a testament to their resilience, courage, and hope. Through their lens, we are reminded that the fight for self-expression, safety, and love transcends borders and cultures, and that the power of connection is universal, no matter how precarious or dangerous the circumstances may be. In conclusion, "Birds of the Borderlands" offers a rare and courageous exploration of the lives of queer Arabs living in one of the most challenging regions of the world. By intertwining personal narratives, deep empathy, and fearless filmmaking, Jordan Bryon has created a compelling and heart-wrenching portrait of resistance, survival, and the quest for freedom. Through the lens of their camera and their own journey, Bryon has helped amplify voices that are too often silenced, ensuring that the stories of Hiba, Youssef, Khalaf, Rasha, and countless others continue to be heard.

 

via: Facebook

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