Arab World’s Cinema Exhibition
Arab cinema has undergone a unique transformation in recent years, emerging as an influential and globally recognized industry. INTAJ 2023 serves as an opportunity to delve into the rise of the Arab world’s cinema through its past and current journeys. Through this exploration, we aim to shed light on the diverse narratives and the captivating cinematic experiences offered by Arab filmmakers.
The journey of cinema in the Arab world can be traced back to the early 20th century when filmmakers like Brothers Lama, Al Taher Hannash, Togo Mizrahi and Albert Samama-Chikli pioneered the industry in Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine, and Algeria. Since then, cinema has experienced numerous challenges in the region, yet managed to flourish against all odds and witnessed significant progress during the Golden Age of cinema from the 1940s to the 1970s.
In recent years, cinema in the Arab world has broken free from conventional storytelling patterns and embraced a more diverse and experimental approach. The region has emerged as a hub for critically acclaimed films that have garnered attention at international film festivals, such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival, where many Arab filmmakers gained worldwide recognition, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of the Arab world through their thought-provoking narratives. These films transcend language barriers, allowing global audiences to connect with the authentic human experiences depicted on screen.
By examining the rich history and current journey of challenging stereotypical representations—it is evident that Arab cinema has evolved into an influential force fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and appreciation worldwide.
Through INTAJ 2023, we pay tribute to the pioneers of Arab filmmaking, those who relentlessly dedicated their lives to telling the most compelling, poignant, and powerful stories despite the many obstacles and limitations they had to overcome. We hope to highlight the history and achievements of Arab cinema and offer the opportunity for our community to experience first-hand a unique exhibition of filmmaking over the past 100 years.
Location: Sikkat Wadi Msheireb
10 Nov 2023 – 10 Feb 2024
10.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Fridays 2.00 PM – 10.00 PM
Entrance is FREE
Breaking the Silence: Reclaiming Our Narratives
An Intaj 2023 Talk
10 November 2023 at 7:00 PM
Location: M7, Level 1, The Learning Space
In an era where shadow banning on media platforms is increasingly stifling diversity of opinion and disproportionately silencing specific communities from the global discourse—the need to uncover and advocate for these now-hidden truths has never been more pressing.
This thought-provoking discussion aims to highlight the importance of supporting objective and balanced storytelling through the empowerment of our own cinematic voice. We will also explore the tightening constraints within the Arab world’s film industry and the increasing complexities inherent in international collaborative productions—with a particular emphasis on Palestinian narratives.
Joining us to delve into these critical topics are guests Annemarie Jacir, an acclaimed filmmaker whose works speak powerfully of these themes, and Ossama Bawardi, a producer renowned for championing impactful stories. Cultural curator and researcher Rafia Al Hussein will moderate the conversation.