Introduction to Arabic Cinema
Arabic cinemas rely heavily on showcasing their productions in international festivals. Over the past 20 years, the number of submissions to prominent festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Toronto has increased significantly.
The Rise of Arabic Films in International Festivals
The primary reason for this trend is the desire for fundamental success, which benefits not only the film but also its creators and the country it represents. The role of the state where the film was produced is also highlighted, even if the financing comes from abroad. This process combines individual ambition with institutional and commercial interests. Films like "Noura" by Tawfiq al-Zaidi, "Oujda" by Haifa al-Mansour, and "You Will Die at Twenty" by Amjad Abu Alala have gained international recognition.
A Hidden Reason for Success
Arab films have been present in international festivals since the 1970s, but the hidden reason for their success is the limited Arab production area in Arab markets. The costs of producing a film today are significantly higher than in the past, with small budgets sometimes approaching $1 million and large budgets exceeding this number. The Arab market does not guarantee the recovery of production costs, making it necessary for Arab filmmakers to seek financial support from European countries and rely on festival opportunities.
Arabic Content in International Festivals
The Cannes Festival has received a variety of Arab films in recent years. However, the question remains as to what constitutes an "Arabic" film. Is it the direction, language, and subject matter, or is it the financing? The Arab director often needs an international umbrella to fulfill their film, and this can lead to a blurring of lines between what is truly Arabic and what is not.
Film Examples
Films like "The President’s Cake" by Hassan Hadi and "Eagles of the Republic" by Tariq Saleh have been presented at international festivals, with the former telling a story set in Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s rule and the latter criticizing the current judgment and authorities. Other films, such as "Aisha Can’t Fly Away" by Murad Mustafa and "A Sky Without a Country" by Areej al-Shairi, have also gained recognition. These films demonstrate the diversity of Arabic content in international festivals.
Treatment and Style
The treatment and style of these films vary, with some following a narrative trend and others adopting a more artistic approach. The difference lies in the method of treatment, with some films like "The Eagles of the Republic" following a genre narrative and others like "The President’s Cake" adopting a more narrative trend.
A Look Back
It is worth noting that this year’s festival marks the 50th anniversary of the Algerian film "The Chronicle of the Years of Embers" by Mohamed Lakhdar-Hamina, which won the Golden Palm award. This film could have taught and benefited from its elements of history, content, and style, but many filmmakers today are not interested in revisiting the past.
