Treat Me Like Your Mother

Based on the book Trans* Histories from Beirut’s Forgotten Past, this kaleidoscopic documentary is a contemplative journey through the lives of five Lebanese women.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Director-screenwriter

    Mohamad Abdouni

  • Lebanon 2025. 75min

  • Courtesy of

    Cold Cuts

  • Language

    Arabic

    With English subtitles

Introduction

Mohamad Abdouni’s meditative film reminisces on childhood, motherhood and coming of age during the turbulence of war, alongside the underground world of nightclubs and illicit sex. Weaving rare archival images from the 1980s to the 2000s with contemporary testimonies by transgender and intersex community elders, aka ‘aunties’, it’s an exceptional glimpse into Lebanon’s trans history.

Zorian Clayton

Content advice

Contains scenes of transphobia.

How to book

BFI Flare tickets start from £10, with concessions available for many screenings and discounts for BFI Members. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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