The Perfumed Garden (2000): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2000, The Perfumed Garden is a documentary film directed by Yamina Benguigui, running about 52 minutes.

What it’s about. THE PERFUMED GARDEN is an exploration of the myths and realities of sensuality and sexuality in Arab society, a world of taboos and of erotic literature. Through interviews with men and women of all ages, classes, and sexual orientation, the film lifts a corner of the veil that usually shrouds discussion of this subject in the Arab world. Made by an Algerian-French woman director, the film begins by looking at the record of a more permissive history, and ends with the experiences of contemporary lovers from mixed backgrounds. It examines the personal issues raised by the desire for pleasure, amidst societal pressures for chastity and virginity. The film discusses pre-marital sex, courtship and marriage, familial pressures, private vs. public spaces, social taboos (and the desire to break them), and issues of language.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Perfumed Garden page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Perfumed Garden tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.