Embodied Chorus

Documentary, directors: Mohamad Moe Sabbah & Danielle Davie, Lebanon/Germany/Luxembourg, 2023, 72 min., Arab./En./Fr. with En. ST

Followed by a Film Talk with Mohamed Moe Sabbah.

In Embodied Chorus, filmmakers Danielle Davie and Mohamad Moe Sabbah examine the difficult topic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), transforming what initially began as an intimate conversation into a collective exploration of personal stories and transformative journeys that defy societal taboos. Through the lens of raw and vibrant imagery, Davie and Sabbah weave their own experiences into the fabric of the story. Drawing on testimonies, collected across the city of Beirut, of other persons infected with STIs and collaborating with an ensemble of five actors, Embodied Chorus becomes a cinematic odyssey, tackling and bringing forth the often stigmatized and shrouded narratives of shame. The film, which premiered at the 36th edition of IDFA, transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling. It offers a compelling and poignant exploration of human vulnerability, resilience, and the quest for understanding in the face of stigma, shame, and societal judgments.