Watch Asmaa

Asmaa is a powerful and emotional film that explores the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS in Egypt. Set in Cairo, the movie tells the story of an HIV-positive woman named Asmaa, played by Hind Sabri, who is struggling to come to terms with her illness and the discrimination she faces from her community. The film opens with Asmaa, a middle-aged widow, living alone with her daughter, teenager Habiba. We see her daily routine, which involves working as a cleaning lady in a hospital while trying to hide her illness from her colleagues. On the way to work, a radio news broadcast announces a call for an interview from a local TV show looking for HIV positive people to share their stories. Asmaa decides to participate, hoping to tell the public about the real face of those suffering from the virus.

The film is directed by Amr Salama and written by him with Omar Khaled, and it explores many aspects of Asmaa's life. The story offers a vast approach to harsh realities of living with HIV, the practical and emotional aspects, the struggle for getting access to medication, and the relationship difficulties it creates.

The narrative is enriched by several subplots, some more successful than others, that offer another look at the stigma surrounding the disease in Egypt. For example, there is a storyline featuring a young doctor, played by Hany Adel, who is also HIV positive and the romantic relationship he starts with a woman who is scared to get tested.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is its honest portrayal of the way society views people living with AIDS. From hurtful language to the ostracization of infected people, the film shows how the illness is treated as something shameful and scandalous. The script delivers moments where each character's attitudes towards the issue are exposed, showing the cultural beliefs and values that lead to discrimination.

The lead performance by Hind Sabri is one of the most compelling parts of Asmaa. Her portrayal of the titular character is nuanced and empathetic, and she effortlessly portrays Asmaa's struggles. Whether it's the direct portrayal of her illness as she undergoes medical procedures, or her interactions with people who question her, Sabri gives an incredibly raw and uninhibited performance.

Maged El-Kidwani brings a steady and empathetic character arc as Dr. Amr, in one of the few male performances that stands out in the film. His journey through the realization of his own issues with the virus and the people suffering from it is a gratifying contribution to the story

The entire film is centered around Asmaa's attempts to live openly and freely without shame, remorse, or pity. And in the process, the film tackles the harsh realities of being an HIV-positive person in Egypt, including facing constant discrimination, struggling to gain access to medication, and the difficulty of forming relationships.

Asmaa is an insightful, thoughtful and quiet film that confronts multiple aspects of the stigma around HIV-positive people in Egyptian society. The narrative is sober, blunt sometimes, and unapologetic towards the norms that feed discrimination, and it fully resonates thanks to strong performances and an understanding screenplay.