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THE AMINA PROFILE (#insideout25 review)

The_Amina_Profile_POSTERTHE AMINA PROFILE

Directed by Sophie Deraspe

THE AMINA PROFILE opens with an online conversation between two women. This conversation is presented as text that appears on the screen. The two women compliment each others’ appearances, before delving into the sexual things they want to do to each other. One woman, Sandra, lives in Quebec. The other, Amina, lives in Damascus, Syria. The film explores the long-distance relationship between the two women, as well as the rising popularity of Amina’s blog “A Gay Girl in Damascus”. Sandra and Amina chat frequently for months, before Sandra receives an email from Amina’s cousin, stating that Amina has been kidnapped by the Syrian government, for her opposition and homosexuality. Sandra takes matters into her own hands, fighting for Amina’s safe release.  If that has not captured your attention, let me just say that there is also a twist.

Amina_Profile_1

THE AMINA PROFILE begins as a romance, before quickly elevating to become a fast-paced thriller. The subject matter is extremely intriguing, and is at times absolutely mind-blowing. The film follows Sandra across the globe, in a journey that has to be seen to be believed. Director Sophie Deraspe uses reenactments to show Amina’s life in Damascus. While reenactments can often be tricky, Deraspe uses them sparingly and never to depict high-action events. Thus, they do not distract from the overall film. THE AMINA PROFILE is one of those films that grabs viewers right from the beginning and keeps them enthralled throughout. It is tough to say why the film is so great without spoiling it, but trust me when I say it is not one you will want to miss.

4.5 sheep

THE AMINA PROFILE screens at the 25th edition of Inside Out, Toronto’s LGBT Film Festival on Wednesday, May 27, at 5:30 PM, at TIFF Bell Lightbox. For more information and for tickets, please visit insideout.ca.

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How many sheep would you give The Amina Profile?

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