Beddua, also known as the curse or the evil eye, is a powerful and ancient belief that holds that when someone curses another person, their words can bring harm or misfortune upon the target. This idea exists in various cultures and societies across the world, with different names and practices associated with it. The concept of beddua is deeply rooted in superstition and the fear of the unknown. It is believed that the curse can manifest in many ways, including illness, financial ruin, or relationship problems. The curse is often seen as a form of black magic or supernatural force that can defy logic and explanation. Beddua can be intentional or unintentional.
This year’s 2022 festival will be both in person and online, screening one film a week during the month of October, and ending with an in-person screening at the State Theater, Friday, October 28, 2022, at 7:00 PM. Each online screening will be available to watch for a week, all screenings are free.
Halaloween screens horror films from across the globe that were made by, for, or about Muslims with the hopes of understanding What scares Muslim audiences. October 6 Roh 2019 Malaysia October 13 Beddua The Curse 2018 Turkey October 20 Satan s Slaves 2017 Indonesia October 28 Saloum 2021 Senegal this screening will be in person at the State Theater.
Beddua can be intentional or unintentional. In intentional cases, a person may direct their anger or resentment towards someone and express their wishes for them to suffer. This could be done through words, actions, or rituals.
Halaloween: A Muslim Horror Film Festival
What's Halaloween? Halaloween screens horror films from across the globe that were made by, for, or about Muslims with the hopes of understanding “What scares Muslim audiences? Are horror movies halal?”
This year’s 2022 festival will be both in person and online, screening one film a week during the month of October, and ending with an in-person screening at the State Theater, Friday, October 28, 2022, at 7:00 PM. Each online screening will be available to watch for a week, all screenings are free.
The 2022 Halaloween Lineup:
* October 6: Roh | 2019 | Malaysia
* October 13: Beddua: The Curse | 2018 | Turkey
* October 20: Satan’s Slaves | 2017 | Indonesia
* October 28: Saloum | 2021 | Senegal (this screening will be in person at the State Theater)
We'll wrap up the month of October with a live panel discussion on Muslim Horror, the use of Islam and the Quran, and how each region differs in its creation of horror films. Stay tuned for the 2022 lineup of films and an announcement on the Muslim Horror Panel discussion!
More info: watch.eventive.org/halaloween
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THIS WEEK’S FEATURE
From Oct 13th to the 20th, stream the Turkish horror film Beddua: The Curse | Üç Harfliler: Beddua on demand at watch.eventive.org/halaloween. Pre-order the film anytime, and check out the rest of the months Halaloween Horror selection!
2018 | 90 minutes | Turkish | Turkey
Directed by: Alper Mestçi
Halaloween Horror Rating 2/5
Rating explanation: Female-centered folk horror and psychological thriller. Contains violence, bullying, misogyny, body horror, and witches.
Religious content: This film invokes Turkish cultural and gender mores on marriage, relationships, and women that intersect with Islam.
Melek, Burcu, Eda and Ayla are four high school friends. Even though years have passed since their graduation, they are still friends. Their lives will change completely after they meet a shaman woman named Havel, and their lives dramatically change.
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Halaloween is brought to you by the Global Islamic Studies Center and cosponsored by the Middle Eastern Studies Department, the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies, the Digital Islamic Studies Curriculum, the African Studies Center, Department of Communication and Media, The Department of Film, Television, and Media, American Culture, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, the Center for South Asian Studies, Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, Arab and Muslim American Studies, Asian Languages and Cultures, the Center for Arab American Studies at UM-Dearborn, and Shudder.
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Halaloween is brought to you by the Global Islamic Studies Center and cosponsored by the Middle Eastern Studies Department, the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies, the Digital Islamic Studies Curriculum, the African Studies Center, Department of Communication and Media, The Department of Film, Television, and Media, American Culture, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, the Center for South Asian Studies, Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, Arab and Muslim American Studies, Asian Languages and Cultures, the Center for Arab American Studies at UM-Dearborn, and Shudder.
On the other hand, unintentional beddua may occur when someone unknowingly envies or feels jealous of another person's success or happiness, unknowingly sending negative energy towards them. Curses can be passed down through generations, creating a cycle of misfortune and suffering. Some people believe that a curse can only be broken through the intervention of a spiritual healer or through certain rituals or prayers. These rituals often involve protection and purification methods such as using amulets, reciting specific verses, or performing specific actions to ward off the curse. While many dismiss beddua as mere superstition, there are others who firmly believe in its power. It is not uncommon to hear stories of individuals attributing their misfortunes or problems to a curse that has been placed upon them. In some extreme cases, individuals may go to great lengths to break the curse, seeking the help of spiritual practitioners or engaging in elaborate rituals. The concept of beddua serves as a reminder of the power of words and intentions. It highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and goodwill towards others. Whether the belief in beddua holds any truth or not, it serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of our thoughts and actions towards others, for they may have far-reaching consequences..
Reviews for "The Alarming Trend of Modern-Day Curses: Analyzing the Rise of Beddua in the Digital Age"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I found "Beddua the Curse" to be incredibly disappointing. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I felt no connection to them. The pacing was off, with slow and boring scenes dragging on and important moments rushed through. Overall, I was bored throughout the entire film and felt like I wasted my time watching it.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Beddua the Curse" as I am a fan of horror movies, but this one fell flat for me. The scare tactics were predictable and relied too heavily on jump scares. The storyline was confusing and poorly executed, leaving me feeling more frustrated than scared. The acting was mediocre at best, with most of the actors delivering their lines with little emotion. I wouldn't recommend this movie to any horror enthusiasts.
3. Mark Johnson - 2 stars
"Beddua the Curse" failed to meet my expectations. The plot seemed promising, but it quickly spiraled into a convoluted mess. The scares were cheap and ineffective, relying on loud noises and sudden movements rather than building tension. The characters were undeveloped and unrelatable, making it hard to care about their fate. The editing was choppy and disjointed, further adding to the confusion. Overall, I found this movie to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to others.
4. Sarah Thompson - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with "Beddua the Curse". The storyline was unoriginal and felt like a rehash of countless other horror films. The acting was wooden and unconvincing, making it hard to invest in the characters or their struggles. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed moments of action. The scares were few and far between, and when they did occur, they were far from terrifying. Overall, this film failed to deliver on any level and left me feeling unsatisfied.
5. Michael Anderson - 2 stars
"Beddua the Curse" is a forgettable horror film that fails to leave a lasting impression. The scares were predictable and lacked originality, relying on worn-out tropes. The pacing was uneven, with the movie dragging in certain parts and rushing through others. The characters were poorly developed, making it difficult to become invested in their fate. The overall execution of the film felt amateurish and lacked the polish and finesse of other horror movies. I would recommend skipping this one and choosing a different horror film to watch.