I’m a filmmaker from Jordan and I wanted to make an authentic coming of age story that’s rooted in the place where I grew up. A story about the village, written by someone from the village. My story focuses on a critical time in a young boy’s life when he has to understand his changing body while navigating strange encounters with older men in the village and finding his place in a household that’s built on hierarchy. Finding his voice is challenging in such an environment, let alone dealing with sexual confusion. A lack of education about bodies and sexuality is a breeding ground for abuse and unwanted advances.
Abadi’s story speaks to the experiences of a lot of youth from the villages of Jordan, but youth and sexuality are not widely explored in Jordanian films. It’s a taboo, even though it’s a relatable and universal experience, and it shapes so much of the adults we grow up to be. As a young boy, I couldn’t discuss my changing body and what I was going through with my family. My only confidant was a close friend–and he knew just as little as I did.
This is a coming of age story that is so dear to me, and I’m thrilled that I had the courage to write it. I look forward to putting this story to action and having the film produced soon.
Abdulelah Aljawarneh – abdjawa.com
Sweet & Bitter 