'Women of the Middle East' Sparks Global Coverage

LOS ANGELES—The release of Kelly Madison Media’s Women of the Middle East has drawn international attention to the Madisons’ stand on behalf of women’s sexual empowerment. The adult movie, featuring porn performers in various types of traditional Middle Eastern veils, was the focus of articles on news sites Vice.com and Mic.com. Interviews with Kelly Madison on both sites led to viral coverage of the movie. (AVN previously reported on the Vice article here.) “This movie is not just another movie for us. It’s a personal statement from me and my company,” Kelly Madison said in an interview with BaDoink Magazine. “This movie is a message of empowerment and support for women all over the world who have their freedoms denied in the name of religion, politics, or patriarchal traditions. To view the SFW (safe-for-work) trailer for “Women of the Middle East,” click here. For a photo gallery on AVN.com, click here. Shot in 4K Ultra High Definition, the movie opens with the message: “For a Middle Eastern Woman, veiling is not just a way to suppress her from having sexual freedom. It is a symbol for all of the human rights violations against these women, such as rape and domestic violence. Take the veils off!” This opening message garnered headlines globally for Madison’s progressive stance on the Middle Eastern culture. “[It's about] taking the veil off. Not condemning the Muslim religion, but showing that it's sexually suppressing for women not being able to show their bodies, being hidden,” Madison told Vice. "I was very conscientious about not affecting or depicting the Muslim religion in a bad way.” Although her stance may be controversial to some, Madison is capitalizing on the current global consumption of pornography. According to study referenced in an article published by Fanpage.it, eight of the top 10 countries that consume the most online porn are of the Muslim religion (Pakistan, the first in the world, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Turkey).  “Some of the most beautiful women in the world are form the Middle East,” Madison added in her interview with Vice. “And to show them in a beautiful way, done up in their traditional garments and showing them as beautiful, sexual beings, it's fun for me as a producer.” The reaction to this impactful, yet controversial film has generated interest across the globe, earning headlines in numerous international markets. Some of the many sites covering the film include these: SudPresse, FQ Magazine, Die Welt, Blick.ch and GQ Italia. One of the film’s most recognizable stars, Pakistani-American porn star Nadia Ali, was the subject of controversy and criticism over her decision to work in an “anti-Muslim movie.” It “hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis and Muslims,” claimed the Daily Pakistan. Nadia took to social media to respond, tweeting, “Pakistani Girl, American Born. I do speak Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi and know my culture very well. I know what I’m doing and I own it!” She would further respond to critics saying, “Don’t judge me because I’m brave enough to be a genuine person.” Women of the Middle East is produced by PornFidelity, an imprint under which Kelly Madison Media releases content. The film also features Arabelle Raphael, who is half Iranian and half Tunisian, as well as ethnic performers Nikki Knightly and Karmen Bella portraying Middle Eastern women in different veils, including hijabs, niqabs and burqas. Performing opposite of the women is director Ryan Madison in four different scenarios of domination and submission, as well as role reversals of traditional power dynamics. Each scene acts as sexual and cultural commentary in regards to the Middle East … and it also includes passionate sex. Kelly Madison, Ryan’s wife and business partner, co-produces and serves as the movie’s art director. PornFidelity’s Women of the Middle East two-disc set is available now in stores. It includes photo galleries, behind-the-scenes footage and a bonus scene, POV Fluffing Cam, a cast list, filmographies, trailers, and more. Wholesale customers can contact Danny Gorman at Juicy Entertainment at danny@xxxjuicy.com or (800) 584-2960.