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‘Forbidden Fruits’ explores interracial relationships BY MICHELLE NAJOR LUTFY Temptation. A word that is as old as civilization itself. Human beings are drawn and enticed to many things thought to be taboo, off-limits, forbidden. In a new DVD release of the independent film Forbidden Fruits, this topic of temptation is explored and chronicled through interracial and intercultural relationships. But perhaps most intriguing to local viewers is that this film spotlights Chaldeans and Arabs in intimate relationships with African Americans, and in the city of Detroit. Almost as long as Chaldeans began to settle in as Detroit business owners, there have been racial tensions with the African-American community. However, many people continue to deny that racial tensions exist between these two cultures. The stories and characters portrayed in the film pointedly send a different message. In a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet, it probes into romantic relationships among three very diverse cultures: Muslim Arab-Americans, Christian African-Americans, and Catholic Chaldean-Americans. Deep secrets of violence and even murder are implied to exist when these cultures intimately collide. As difficult as some scenes are to watch, the main theme is poignant and strikingly haunting. It forces viewers to examine their own prejudices and fears. However, highlighted amid the backdrop of this heavy subject matter is the city of Detroit in a pleasantly pleasing light. Marc Cayce, writer/director/producer and actor in the film, chose to portray his native Detroit city as clean, well-kept and vibrant. At times, the premise of this film makes it very difficult to watch. One would like to believe that violence in the name of love does not exist. This film wants to make it perfectly clear that prejudice is alive and well, and retribution is fair game when it comes to inter-racial and inter-cultural relationships in our local communities. The film demonstrates the dangers and difficulties that two couples endure when they try to carry out their unconventional affairs. One of the two “forbidden” relationships involves a Catholic Chaldean college student who falls in love with the nephew of a prominent and wealthy African- American preacher. The Chaldean actress is Royal Oak native Jamie Sousou, who plays Crystal in the film. In her storyline, secretive interludes, idealistic dreams and tender moments are shared until the two are violently separated by Crystal’s irate brother and his posse of angry thugs. The second storyline centers on a Christian African-American girl and her Muslim Arab-American boyfriend. Their relationship ends with a more positive outcome, and is ultimately viewed with tolerance and semiacceptance from their families. Carefully weaved throughout the film are the threads of racial tension, whispers and pressure that intercultural affairs typically encounter. The viewer can’t help but consider that the majority of these liaisons eventually surrender to fear, intimidation and scrutiny. Aside from the main premise of intercultural intolerance, other themes are made apparent through various subplots, including wealth, entitlement, greed, pride, cultural assimilation, religion and politics. In documentary-like fashion, Cayce goes to great lengths to educate the viewer who may not be familiar with these three cultures, and how they are so intertwined in cities like Detroit. Just as Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden, the crux of this film illustrates that indeed yielding to the temptation of “forbidden fruits” can lead to an underground world of racism and violence. However, Cayce ends the film with an inspiring scene that leaves the viewer with the impression that prejudice and intolerance within the parameters of love can indeed be overcome. Admitting that it may sound simplistic, in an audio voiceover at the end of the film he asks the viewer to remember the question of Rodney King, whose police beating led to the 1992 Los Angeles riots: “Why can’t we just all get along?” A tempting thought to reflect upon. Forbidden Fruits can be purchased online at Blockbuster.com or Amazon.com. MARCH 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 35
