Khawf

"Khawf" documents the experiences of Queer individuals in Middle Eastern countries, where they have to resist a daunting combination of religion, deeply ingrained beliefs; and a society that condemns them for something they didn't decide to be and can't change. Through a collection of real-life stories, this documentary showcases a dangerous immersion into the daily lives of Queer individuals from the Middle East, revealing the risks they must undertake to express their true selves when no other option is available. These acts of self-expression become their means to reclaim the voices they've been denied to have in their homelands.

As we journey through the lives of these courageous individuals, we witness the dangerous reality they have to confront and the sacrifices they make to be able to live because of being Queer. Some have left behind their homes, families, and the land that saw them born, all in pursuit of being able to be themselves. But is running away enough to leave fear behind?

Through the eyes of "Nader", a middle eastern Queer boy, viewers will experience the troubling reality that is not often able to be shared with the rest of the world, but despite all challenges, he wanted to bring it to the screen.

"Khawf" gives recognition to the resilience and courage of those who face adversity, defying the shadows of fear and discrimination. Their stories are proof of their bravery and also an urgent call for empathy in a world where privileges make people disconnect from reality.

  • Kevin Berro
    Director
  • Kevin Berro
    Producer
  • Hani Assaf
    Key Cast
  • Keidy Hatem
    Key Cast
  • Kevin Berro
    Key Cast
  • Eric Jensen Stene
    DOP
  • Eric Jensen Stene
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    documentary, queer, human rights
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    633 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Norway
  • Country of Filming:
    Lebanon, Norway
  • Language:
    Arabic, English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kevin Berro

Kevin Berro (21) is an Oslo-based actor and director originally from Lebanon and Argentina but raised under the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, Northern Norway.

His acting career started when he was nine years old. He has starred in different roles in films, television, and theater plays. Since 2019, he has been working as an acting coach for children between 6 and 14 years old at Kulturskolen (art school) in Tromsø.

Kevin's journey as a filmmaker began when he was 17, directing low-budget films, together with other young filmmakers, to participate in international festivals. For the past four years, he has been performing as a coordinator for NUFF (Nordic Youth Film Festival), and since January 2023 as a jury coordinator for TIFF (Tromsø International Film Festival).

Alongside his current works as a freelancer director and actor, in November 2023, Kevin finished "Khawf" his first directed and produced documentary that showcases the difficulties of Queer people to express themselves in middle eastern countries.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The idea of "Khawf" was born after my experience coming out of the closet with my Muslim parents. Coming from Lebanon, a conservative country with strong religious beliefs, made it difficult for me as a child to understand that fear growing inside of me, a fear that made me believe I could loose it all, a fear that made me feel I was alone.

I found my voice, hidden in those feelings I was hoping one day will dissapear. To express myself behind my fears, I decided to turn them into words and poems that later became my inspiration for this film.

I decided to make «Khawf» to give a voice to those who still cant have one. I beleive there is many other people like me out there, looking for their voices to be heard but overshadowed by their fear. To those ones, I would like to say that on the other side of "Khawf" (fear), there is more than hope ,and there is also happines for people like us !!

I've seen it, i am living it, I beleieve in it !!!