ARAB WORLD CINEMAS

Arab World Cinemas is a book that explores 28 Arabic-language feature films released between 1933 and 2021, including Muhammad Khan's Dreams of Hind and Camilia (1989), Moufida Tlatli's Silences of the Palace (1994), and Elia Suleiman's Divine Intervention (2002). It is divided into three parts: Egypt, North Africa, and the eastern Arab world, with introductory essays highlighting aesthetic and socio-historical trends. Marle Hammond interprets films through cinematic technique and concepts from various disciplines.

Format: Paperback
Publication date: 31 January 2021
Publisher: EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY PRESS

Arab World Cinemas takes you on a captivating journey through 28 Arabic-language feature films, spanning from the exuberant melodramas of the 1930s in Egypt to the enigmatic allegories of late 20th-century Palestinian cinema. Written specifically for students, this comprehensive guide is divided into three parts: Egypt, North Africa, and the eastern Arab world. Each part begins with an introductory essay that delves into the aesthetic and socio-historical trends and currents that shape the cinematic traditions of that region. Marle Hammond then dedicates individual chapters to a selection of films from the highlighted region, offering insightful interpretations of their form and content through the lenses of cinematic technique and concepts drawn from diverse disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

The first part, Egypt, explores the rich tapestry of Egyptian cinema, from the early silent films of the 1920s to the golden era of the 1940s and 1950s. Hammond highlights the contributions of pioneering directors like Youssef Chahine and Kamal El-Shaikh, as well as the influence of Egyptian folklore and mythology on the films. She also examines the social and political themes that emerged in Egyptian cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, including the struggle for independence and the aftermath of the Arab Spring.

The second part, North Africa, delves into the diverse cinematic traditions of the region. Hammond explores the rich history of Moroccan cinema, highlighting the works of directors like Mohammed Ben Attia and Abdelhak Chraïbi. She also discusses the impact of the French colonial era on Algerian cinema, with films like "The Battle of Algiers" and "The Silences of Palace" serving as poignant examples of the struggle for liberation.

The third part, the eastern Arab world, encompasses the cinema of countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Hammond highlights the contributions of directors like Emir Kusturica and Jocelyne Saab, as well as the influence of the region's rich cultural heritage on the films. She also examines the political and social issues that have shaped the cinema of the eastern Arab world, including the conflicts in the Middle East and the struggles for democracy and human rights.

Throughout the book, Hammond employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from film theory, cultural studies, and social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic-language feature films. She offers detailed analysis of the visual style, narrative structure, and thematic elements of each film, helping students to appreciate the artistic and cultural significance of these works.

Arab World Cinemas is an essential resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse cinematic traditions of the Arab world. With its comprehensive coverage of 28 films, insightful essays, and interdisciplinary approach, this book offers a valuable entry point into the world of Arab cinema and its profound impact on global cinema.

ISBN-13: 9781474435789