Resistance, Dissidence, Revolution: Documentary Film Esthetics in the Middle East and North Africa

This book explores the development of diverse documentary forms in relation to revolutionary and emancipatory movements in the Arab World, taking a de-territorialized approach inspired by Deleuze and Guattari's "rhizome." It analyzes the formal and esthetic features of individual works in relation to specific socio-political historical developments, such as de-colonization, wars of liberation, the Tricontinental movement, the Palestinian question, the Rif Uprising, civil war in Lebanon, the recent Arab revolutions, state authoritarianism, and totalitarianism. It is a valuable resource for students and academics interested in film and media studies, as well as the history, culture, and politics of the MENA region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating realm of documentary filmmaking in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, situated within the emerging academic interest in this genre. It explores the rich tapestry of diverse documentary forms that have emerged in response to revolutionary and emancipatory movements that have taken place across the twentieth century in the Arab World.

Drawing inspiration from Deleuze and Guattari's concept of a "rhizome," the author adopts a de-territorialized approach to revolutionary filmmaking, embracing the incredible diversity and fluidity of these revolutionary works. The book not only provides a comprehensive account of the documentary film histories of the major film-producing nations in the region, including Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, but also delves into the formal and aesthetic features of individual works in relation to specific socio-political historical developments.

Topics covered in this insightful book span a wide range, including de-colonization, the wars of liberation, the Tricontinental movement, the Palestinian question, the Rif Uprising, the Leaden and Black Years, civil war in Lebanon, the recent Arab revolutions, state authoritarianism and totalitarianism, gender, collectivism, and political subjectivity. By examining the works of consecutive periods from different ideological contexts, the book contributes to a comprehensive theory of revolutionary documentary film forms.

This book is a must-read for students and academics alike who are passionate about film and media studies, as well as those interested in the history, culture, and politics of the MENA region. It offers valuable insights into the power of documentary filmmaking to capture the essence of historical events and shed light on the complex social, political, and cultural dynamics of the region.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032151892