Unveiling the spellbinding magic behind Arab cinema
Lounge daydreams quintessentially involve flicking through streams of film and TV show menus that offer us mesmerizing moments and vicarious vignettes from the world of the extraordinaire. For the growing segment of us aficionados, who enjoy nothing more than being dazzled by enthralling stories and performances, Arabic films and TV shows deliver on that sheer magic.
For more than a century, remarkable productions from the Arab world have continued to captivate audiences across the globe. In her seminal book titled “Arab Cinema: History and Cultural Identity”, film maker and writer Viola Shafik sheds light into the emergence of Arab cinema and explores the social, cultural, and political lampposts that were pivotal in its evolution. Merely a few months after the historic public screening of a collection of films by the Lumière brothers in Le Salon Indien du Grand Café in Paris in 1895, a special screening took place in the Tousson stock exchange in Alexandria in 1896 and then in the Hamam Schneider (Schneider Baths) in Cairo, followed by screenings in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
Fascinated by the spellbinding world that the cinema evoked, many Arab filmmakers ventured into producing their own films, sparking the advancement of the film industry in the Arab region. One of the first full-length feature films to appear during this period was “Laila” in 1927, produced by the pioneering Egyptian actress, producer, and screenwriter Aziza Amir. In “The Encyclopedia of Arab Women Filmmakers,” Rebecca Hillauer reflects on the profound impact of Aziza Amir’s film during its world premiere in Cairo. Prominent entrepreneur Talaat Harb remarked to Aziza, “You have accomplished what no man has accomplished,” emphasizing the significance of her accomplishment in creating a film that resonated with the Egyptian audience and featured an all-Egyptian cast.
The establishment of Studio Misr, supported by Talaat Harb, laid the foundation for the Egyptian film industry. This pivotal moment sparked the opening of various other film studios, leading to the creation of a remarkable collection of 345 full-length feature films by the year 1948. These captivating movies resonated deeply with Arab audiences, capturing their hearts and solidifying the industry’s prominence. During this golden era, many memorable films were created that are still remembered fondly to this very day.
At the forefront were a constellation of stars, including Omar Sharif, Faten Hamama, Soad Hosny, Hind Rostom, Abdel Halim Hafez, Maryam Fakhruddin, Rushdi Abazah, Ahmed Ramzy, Shokry Sarhan, and Umm Kulthum – who quickly became cherished household icons, shaping the Arab film industry’s cinematic landscape and garnering international recognition for their exceptionally charming performances.
Youssef Chahine, a celebrated director, has left an indelible impression on modern Egyptian cinema, garnering global acclaim and prestigious awards at the Cannes Film Festival, the Berlin Film Festival, and the Carthage Film Festival. His trailblazing film “Cairo Station” (1958) made history as the first Arab film to vie for an Oscar award, with three subsequent submissions competing for consideration. At the same time, actor Omar Sharif has gained worldwide acclaim for his enthralling performances in “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962) and “Dr. Zhivago” (1965), earning him Golden Globe accolades and skyrocketing the trajectory of modern Egyptian cinema to a global audience.
Today, the Arab film industry has been reinvented for the 21st century to chime with our modern tastes and its luminosity can be attributed to several factors. Regional talents possess boundless creativity and artistic vision, a key reason driving the truly remarkable achievements in scriptwriting, directing, and acting. Drawing on a rich legacy of oral storytelling, Arab films beautifully interweave cinematic narratives that deeply resonate with audiences far and wide.
The Arab film industry has also experienced significant advancements through the establishment of state-of-the-art film studios, production houses, and post-production facilities. These infrastructure developments have substantially enhanced the technical capabilities of the industry, offering a conducive environment for filmmakers to produce films of exceptional quality.
Thanks to the region’s unique sense of fashion, food, lifestyle, social fabric, architecture, filming locations, and music – the resulting filmography is absolutely glorious. The combination of these ingredients creates timeless vignettes for film aficionados, teetering on the nostalgic, with whiffs of statuesque period fashion, scenes of convivial gatherings, romance brimming with promises, universal human experiences, and the evolution of stereotypes dissolving away. All of these details are absolutely tender for audiences who have grown up watching Arabic films and TV shows, especially with their debuts in the holy month of Ramadan.
Arab film festivals, such as the Cairo International Film Festival, Red Sea Film Festival, and Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth provide platforms for showcasing Arab films to local and international audiences. These events enhance visibility, promote networking, and encourage collaboration within the industry. Moreover, recognition at renowned film festivals and award ceremonies raises the profile of Arab films and encourages further investment and appreciation of the industry.
Part of the magic of Arab cinema lies in the salient themes that are discussed in productions, which audiences find absolutely relatable and instantly infuses them with a sense of awakening, fervor, and consolation. Scripts are generally family-friendly, yet thoughtful and entertaining for a wide range of age groups. Perhaps most importantly is the influence of films and TV shows in transforming our lives, serving as a powerful medium of cultural conditioning and diplomacy.
Films and TV shows play a moving role in shaping cultural identity by authentically portraying the region’s unique social intricacies, traditions, and historical contexts. The platform also stimulates self-expression, dialogue, and contemplation, paving the road for dispelling outdated stereotypes and misconceptions whilst embracing Arab heritage. This powerful combination of salient factors has a profound impact on cultural exchange, cultivating empathy and cross-cultural understanding spanning vast borders.
At the top end, film producers are carrying out a truly creative art, producing films and TV shows that spark a flurry of fascinating conversations. Then there are the dazzling TV shows, where scripts veer on the playful with punchy lines or fresh thoughts. All have earned their place amongst the star-studded list of the best creative content on streaming service platforms. At the same time, the Arab culture has a mesmerizing effect on audiences, inspiring trends in food, fashion, lifestyle, and music. On this note, songs and musical soundtracks tied to films and TV shows are a sheer delight, spotlighting many musicians during the process.
And while the industry continues to evolve, it will play an indelible mark on the artistic landscape. The resulting sensations and effects of the endeavors of Arab films and TV shows is the ultimate revelation, with a subliminal complexity that evolves through our minds, ebbing and flowing, before fading to whispers throughout our lives. Recommending the best of this lot would be unrealistic and a tad unfair, since so much depends on the mood and whim of audiences at particular, poignant moments in their lives. A few standouts should, nevertheless, be mentioned.
Highlighting the region’s show-off locations has always been a selling point for global film production companies canvassing memorable settings for their scripts. For millennia, Egypt has entranced visitors with its enduring allure. One of the most scenic locations are found in Egypt, famous for its film heritage, its exquisite beauty, and sweeping history. To illustrate, the Egyptian TV Show “Secret of The Nile”, a remake of Spanish drama “Gran Hotel”, is set in the undeniably picturesque city of Aswan and against the backdrop of the Old Cataract Hotel, a historic British colonial-era hotel built in 1899 and overlooking the River Nile – evoking a wonderful sense of locality and history. The show, which made headlines as the first Arabic series to be featured on Netflix, is set in the 1950s as Ali investigates his sister’s disappearance at the Grand Hotel, leading to an unexpected romance and unraveling hidden secrets.
The Egyptian TV show “Once Upon a Time” takes viewers between two worlds spanning a century apart, with a stellar performance from actresses Ruby and Sawsan Badr, in addition to actors Ahmed Dawood and Mohamed Farraag. In 2018, the journalist Salma is keen on writing an expose about an Alexandrian palace about to be demolished when she encounters Youssef the 3rd, who claims to be the rightful custodian of the estate. The thirty episodes take viewers between vignettes of today’s world and their doppelgangers almost a century ago, beautifully portraying the fascinating cultural, social, and political complexities that shaped the lives of two star-crossed lovers and especially that of the female protagonist Nadera, who has to navigate choppy waters in order to attain the simplest of life’s pleasures.
The Netflix production of “Finding Ola”, a sequel to the sensational 2010 debut of the show “I Want to Get Married”, is a personal exploration of one woman’s journey as she reinvents her entire life following a divorce. Catching glimpses of depression, confusion, disappointment, and anger – the show is a fantastic telltale of how many Arab women navigate and experience the breakup of their families, whilst at the same time opening up new and exciting emotions, connections, and serendipities.
Many Arabic TV shows also celebrate women’s career advancements and self-discovery, well beyond their traditional roles. Netflix’s series “The Exchange” transports audiences to the 1980’s in Kuwait, pegged to the tragic stock market crash of the period, where two female protagonists have to carve careers, challenged by a reticent all-boys club. Scenes are dotted with nostalgia, as viewers reminisce over how women of the day pursued their dreams and relinquished restrictions, whilst relishing over a stunning collection of fashion and the iconic Arabian jewelry. In the same vein, the TV show “Cairo Class” is a sweeping tale of Kuwaiti females who go to Egypt in 1956 to pursue their education, whilst also embarking on transformative journeys of self-discovery.
The Middle East region has long enjoyed a reputation for its rich and mesmerizing storytelling history. Today, the region is in much need for contemporary narratives that reflect communities’ dreams, struggles, and stories. Interestingly, the demand for entertainment in the Middle East region is booming, as a recent study by Grand View Research estimated the market to be worth $1.86 billion, with projections for it to grow to $3.57 billion by the year 2028. The advent of global streaming services and soaring subscriptions is spurring a demand for local creative content. Notably, the demand for subscription video on demand in the Middle East region is flourishing, as a recent report by Digital TV Research forecasts soaring subscriptions of 21.52 million across 13 Arab countries by 2027, an increase from 9.49 million in 2021. The region’s entertainment trailblazers – MBC’s Shahid, UAE-based Starzplay Arabia, and Netflix – have increased their local content after an influx of new subscribers and longer viewership hours.
Many cities are working towards becoming thriving hubs for the Arab film industry. The UAE demonstrates strong support for the film and TV industry through many initiatives and investments. The country has established dedicated entities, such as the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Dubai Film and TV Commission, which provide all-inclusive support to local and international productions. It offers financial incentives, production grants, and topnotch infrastructure to attract filmmakers. Moreover, the country fosters talent development through film schools and workshops, nurturing a skilled workforce and encouraging creativity. This commitment to the film and TV industry has positioned the UAE as a thriving hub for cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
To illustrate, Image Nation Abu Dhabi is a renowned film and entertainment company that has earned accolades for its trailblazing approach and boundless creativity. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the first UAE company to have multiple productions available for streaming on Netflix, skyrocketing its reach to a global scale. The company’s success transcends borders, with its content showcased at more than 400 international film festivals. Recognized for its excellence, Image Nation Abu Dhabi has received prestigious industry awards, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, and an Emmy. The company was involved in the production of famous films, including “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011), “The Help” (2011), “Benji” (2017), and “Rashid and Rajab” (2019).
Another example is the Saudi-based Film AlUla, the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla. This visionary initiative is setting up an impressive studio complex spanning an expansive area of up to 30,000 square meters. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of AlUla’s landscape, this state-of-the-art facility aims to become a world-class destination for filmmaking. The Red Sea Fund is also committing to funding 100 film projects, with grants reaching $14 million and covering a spectrum of genres, such as documentaries, fiction, animation – episodic, shorts, and full-length features. The recent glitzy edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival bedazzled audiences with many regional premieres. The program showcased 131 feature films and shorts from 61 countries in 41 languages, with 34 global premieres, 14 Arab premieres, and 47 MENA premieres. Notable Saudi-produced features were “Last Chance to Fall in Love” which shares the moving tale of a man who is reunited with his first amour after 50 years of separation and “Tea Leaf” which recounts a man pondering over his marital struggles and his separation from his ex-wife as he sips his tea.
In the midst of these exciting trends, regional governments have the opportunity to harness the growing demand for films and TV productions by employing a number of effective policies. Identifying and nurturing creative storytellers, actors, film producers, and technical talents is essential in delivering upon this vision. As a first step, priority should be on nurturing and scouting streams of passionate and imaginative scriptwriters, actors, film producers, musicians, and technical talents. Various avenues are available to groom talents, including arts education programs in schools, specialized content creation workshops for teenagers, online training courses on originating creative content, specialized academic programs at universities, story labs aimed at developing viable scripts, and project-based apprenticeships within renowned entertainment enterprises. Moreover, cultural exchange programs can facilitate artistic cross-pollination, fostering collaboration between aspiring Arab filmmakers and their counterparts from different countries.
Allocating funding, grants, and subsidies to emerging film enterprises for the production of stellar local content can position the region as a player in the global entertainment sector. Investing in entertainment infrastructure – such as world-class film studios, production facilities, and film technology – is pivotal. Moreover, upgrading the digital infrastructure in the region, particularly in rural areas, plays an important role in facilitating consumer access to digital entertainment content and expanding geographical reach. Simultaneously, directing investment towards film preservation and restoration is vital for the protection of classic and historical films, ensuring their longevity and safeguarding their cultural value.
It is also important to facilitate industry-specific networking events that bring together potential investors and filmmakers, such as conferences, trade shows, film ceremonies, and international film festivals. Collaboration with global streaming services or distribution companies will further expand the reach of Arab productions. Moreover, regional governments must prioritize regulatory reforms to safeguard filmmakers’ creative works, including intellectual property, data privacy, artistic expression boundaries, piracy prevention, equal pay, and labor policies. These efforts foster a thriving film industry that preserves cultural heritage while embracing innovation.
Promoting film tourism by highlighting exotic locations featured in Arab films can be a unique selling point for global films production companies looking for memorable and exceptional settings for their scripts. Many film settings inspire hordes of fans to flock to those locations, longing to recreate the same emotions and beauty experienced in their favorite films or TV shows. To illustrate, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission offers scouting assistance and recommends unique locations to filmmakers. Some notable films that were filmed in the city include “Mission Impossible: Fallout” (2018), “6 Underground” (2018), “The Misfits” (2019), and “Sonic The Hedgehog” (2019).
It then seems fitting to discuss South Korea’s stratospheric global fame of South Korean pop-culture since the 1990s, often dubbed as “Hallyu”. Today, its content industry is a global player, so much so that Netflix announced in April 2023 its commitment to invest $2.5 billion over the next four years to produce Korean TV shows, films, and unscripted shows – double its investment since 2016. Some of the most endearing qualities of K-dramas are the superb acting, scenic filming locations, engrossing scripts, chic fashion, and family-friendliness of the content. The industry encompasses a diverse range of genres, including dramas, thrillers, romantic comedies, action films, magical realism, political shows, and historical epics – catering to various audience preferences. South Korean films are known for their high production values, impressive cinematography, and attention to detail, creating visually stunning and immersive experiences. Moreover, the rise of K-Pop music and its global appeal has contributed to increased fascination with South Korean culture.
Their success is no secret as deliberate policies paved the way for these accolades. Led by the government-funded Korean Film Council, a number of signature programs are credited with bolstering the home-grown industry. Projects include investing in original films and TV shows, grooming local talents, investing in state-of-the-art visual technologies and techniques, hosting screenplay contests, bolstering distribution networks, organizing film festivals, strategically exporting Korean films and TV shows abroad, funding film productions, investing in high-tech visual technologies, supporting film-related organizations, and enacting supportive regulations. The council also established the Korean Academy for Film Arts, the country’s top-tier education institution, boasting graduates of over 700 exceptional film-industry talents.
Thanks to the industry’s luminaries, the cinematic landscape of the Arab world is celebrated today on the global stage. Arab filmmakers are poised to continue their storytelling panache, portraying fascinating stories – from intimate human dramas to historical sagas, and from social commentaries to enduring love stories – whilst pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. Through their artistic vision, they captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the richness of Arab culture, while also fostering dialogue between different cultures and communities. The ongoing growth and success of Arab cinema demonstrates its vital role in self-expression and cultural exploration that transcends borders and even lifetimes.
Hard though it is to tear oneself away from the Arab world’s captivating film and TV offerings, it must be done – for a short while – only to return to them again with riveted interest.
Published in Shawati magazine.