A Sinner in Mecca

Name: A Sinner in Mecca
Genre: Documentary
Released: September 4, 2015
Duration: 79 min
Rating: 68

2015

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Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Critic Reviews

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A Sinner In Mecca

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Movie Details & Credits

Haram Films | Release Date: September 4, 2015 | Not Rated

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 withinFor 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 Islam, his religion. On his journey Parvez aims to look beyond 21st-century Islam's crises of religious extremism, commercialism and sectarian battles. He brings back the story of the religion like it has never been told before, having endured the biggest jihad there is: the struggle with the self.… Expand

Director: Parvez Sharma

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 79 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Andy Webster

Sep 3, 2015

Mr. Sharma has created a swirling, fascinating travelogue and a stirring celebration of devotion. Read full review

Alan Scherstuhl

Sep 3, 2015

Stirring, sad, and at times truly frightening. Read full review

Sheri Linden

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. Read full review

Oleg Ivanov

Sep 2, 2015

What the film lacks in narrative unity and aesthetic splendor it makes up in moral grandeur and ethical purpose. Read full review

Jordan Hoffman

Sep 3, 2015

People often use the term “dangerous filmmaking.” Here is someone willing to put his life on the line for his art. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Omer M. Mozaffar

Sep 4, 2015

It is a well-intentioned film that buries its affectionate heart in disjointed, unnecessary, forced banter. Read full review

Jay Weissberg

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. Read full review

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Brent_Marchant

Jun 23, 2020

Back in time for Pride month via online streaming, this highly personal 2015 documentary about a gay Muslim man who makes his required Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca examines the quandary of an individual seeking to be true to himself on diametrically opposed fronts. Questions of attempts atBack in time for Pride month via online streaming, this highly personal 2015 documentary about a gay Muslim man who makes his required Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca examines the quandary of an individual seeking to be true to himself on diametrically opposed fronts. Questions of attempts at fulfilling sanctioned elements of devotion clash with personal values that run counter to them, pitting the protagonist against himself as he seeks to reconcile feelings for which there are no easy -- perhaps even no possible -- answers. As someone who risks the death penalty for his lifestyle, as well as legal sanctions for engaging in artistic pursuits that are forbidden in Islam's homeland, director Parvez Sharma takes viewers on a journey that captivates, educates and boggles the mind, all at the same time. There are moments when Sharma's story will leave viewers shaking their heads, as well as occasions when the material seems padded and somewhat self-indulgent. However, if nothing else, this offering will leave audiences with myriad questions about how to sort out personally significant but inherently conflicting circumstances, some of which may be applicable to our own circumstances, whether we're Muslim or not.… Expand

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