Shame (عيب) takes us to the 19th-century Levant, where Salma Zahore poses for a long-exposure photograph with her parents and neighbours. As the photoshoot comes to an end, Salma removes her coat and reveals her body—a simple gesture that unleashes an unexpected drama and brings her to the brink of social condemnation.
Through this unusual situation, the film explores the meaning of shame in Arab culture and the ways in which the concept of عيب (shame) can define the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, bodies, gender roles and identity. Salma takes on different personas and social roles, encountering herself as well as her family and neighbours. Her act of undressing becomes a starting point for reflecting on how social norms are established, how they are passed down through time, and what happens when a body crosses their boundaries.
Visually, the film connects a recreated 19th-century world with a contemporary and queer perspective. Its vertical 9:16 format echoes the aspect ratio of photographs from the period, while AI-transformed voices introduce a surreal, almost futuristic element into the historical setting. As Salma gradually sheds layers of clothing and expectation, the reactions around her escalate into absurd drama—a reminder of how quickly a small transgression can become a matter of honour, shame and social control.
