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  • 2015
  • The Filmmaker's Collaborative
  • 1 h 19 m
  • 2015
  • The Filmmaker's Collaborative
  • 1 h 19 m

Summary For a gay filmmaker, filming in Saudi Arabia presents two serious challenges: filming is forbidden in the country and homosexuality is punishable by death. For filmmaker Parvez Sharma, however, these were risks he had to assume as he embarked on his Hajj pilgrimage, a journey considered the greatest accomplishment and aspiration within I...

Directed By: Parvez Sharma

Written By: Sajid Akbar, Alison Amron, Parvez Sharma

  • 2015
  • The Filmmaker's Collaborative
  • 1 h 19 m
  • 2015
  • The Filmmaker's Collaborative
  • 1 h 19 m

A Sinner in Mecca

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
68
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary For a gay filmmaker, filming in Saudi Arabia presents two serious challenges: filming is forbidden in the country and homosexuality is punishable by death. For filmmaker Parvez Sharma, however, these were risks he had to assume as he embarked on his Hajj pilgrimage, a journey considered the greatest accomplishment and aspiration within I...

Directed By: Parvez Sharma

Written By: Sajid Akbar, Alison Amron, Parvez Sharma

Where to Watch

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
68
63% Positive
5 Reviews
38% Mixed
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
68
63% Positive
5 Reviews
38% Mixed
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Sep 3, 2015
Mr. Sharma has created a swirling, fascinating travelogue and a stirring celebration of devotion.
By Andy Webster FULL REVIEW
80
Sep 3, 2015
A Sinner in Mecca is a suitably messy mix of the gritty and the surreal, the wrenching and the transcendent, from the midst of the trek to Islam’s holiest site.
By Sheri Linden FULL REVIEW
80
Sep 3, 2015
Stirring, sad, and at times truly frightening.
By Alan Scherstuhl FULL REVIEW
63
Sep 2, 2015
What the film lacks in narrative unity and aesthetic splendor it makes up in moral grandeur and ethical purpose.
By Oleg Ivanov FULL REVIEW
60
Sep 3, 2015
People often use the term “dangerous filmmaking.” Here is someone willing to put his life on the line for his art.
FULL REVIEW
50
Sep 4, 2015
It is a well-intentioned film that buries its affectionate heart in disjointed, unnecessary, forced banter.
FULL REVIEW
40
Oct 1, 2015
Sensationalizing every moment of his hajj (pilgrimage) while calling attention to his devotion, the helmer comes across as far too pleased with himself, though countering the demonization of Islam is a necessary goal.
By Jay Weissberg FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company Haram Films, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), Arte France Cinéma
Release Date Sep 4, 2015
Duration 1 h 19 m
Genres
Tagline The Saudi Arabia they don't want you to see.
Website http://asinnerinmecca.com/
View All Details

Awards

L.A. Outfest
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Sheffield International Documentary Festival
• 1 Nomination

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