The first gay character in Arab cinema has apparently arrived.

If Abdellah Taia is to be believed, he has come up with a revolution in Arab cinema."Salvation Army", the writer-director's debut film, has the protagonist whose sexual orientation is never seen before in Arab films.

Abdellah, the protagonist of the film, is aware of his sexual orientation while he has to compromise in a nation that does not allow the open practice of homosexuality. It is shown that older men frequently hit on the character. The character of the protagonist, who idolises his elder brother, eventually leaves Morocco to break free after his elder brother leaves the family. Interestingly, the film has got its fundamental concept from the life of the director himself.

Taia became the first Moroccan to acknowledge his sexuality in public. The announcement of his sexual orientation in 2006 caused a sensation in his country. He later appeared on a newsmagazine cover which had the headline: Homosexual, Against All Odds. Salvation Army is based on one of the novels written by Taia who is currently based in Paris.

The film had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in the earlier part of 2013. Even though Taia is completely aware how strictly gay people are treated in an Arab nation, he has apparently become more candid on the role of homosexuals in a society after the success of his novels.

Taia said that it would never have been possible for him to voice his opinion on homosexuality in his native country. He turned out to be a laughing stock when he expressed his aspirations of being a filmmaker. Even his sisters used to make fun of him, which made him angry.

On the other hand, Taia believes that there is a wind of change in the Arab nations. The changes, which have been instigated by the Spring revolution and the continual struggle for individual rights, have influenced the homosexual population as well. He mentions a Web site in Arabic, which is targeted for Moroccan homosexuals.

Taia hopes that Salvation Army will work in favour of the homosexual movement in the Arab world.

Watch a clip from Salvation Army here:

Video source: YouTube/tiff