ARAB 3502 Midterm
What happened in Egypt in 1896? What did this lead to? How many theaters by 1911?
1896 First film projection in Alexandria 1900 First film theater 1911: 8 theaters in Cairo and Alexandria
Describe two factors of the close relationship between popular theater and early egyptian film?
Involvement of theater actor in cinema Cinematic adaptations of successful plays
Films were produced by _______, drawing on ____________ themes and sources, but aiming at a _________ audience
-elite -traditional -popular
What are the three different forms of culture?
-traditional -popular -elite
What was High-Culture often dominated by in regards to language? Popular culture? What language do filmmakers tend to use? Why is the marketing of Arab films typically difficult? What does this lead to?
"High-culture" dominated by classical Arabic or MSA -Popular culture uses mainly dialects of Arabic -Filmmakers prefer to use dialect for dialogs (some exceptions- Danaaniir) -In the Arab world, there is coexistence of MSA, dialects, local vernaculars, French, and now English. -Debates about which language to use in films.
What films that we discussed belong to the Epic genre? Comedy? Melodrama? Musical? Literary Adaptations?
1. Epic a. Saladin 2. Comedy a. Hello america b. Terrorism and Kebab 3. Melodrama a. The nightingale's prayer b. Thief and dog 4. Musical (?) a. 100% arabica b. danaanir 5. Literary adaptations a. Thief and dog Saladin The Nightingales Prayer
Egypt was the only place with a national film industry under the colonial period. What were the first films characterized as? Why were they able to sustain a film industry at such an early time?
- Started off with short film productions - Due to the economic independence gained by Muhammad Ali in the 19thc.
What was characteristic of the Lebanese film industry in the 1960s? 1970s?
-60's: films mainly produced by Egyptians in exile -70's: rise in local filmmakers, mostly educated abroad
What were the benefits and challenges created by state intervention in Arab filmmaking?
-An increase in resources -Censorship
Egypt was known to be significantly responsible for film production in the Arab world. What were its components (C, RI, BR) and what did its components make Egypt?
-Cinema, recording industry, and broadcasting -made Cairo the cultural center of the Arab world They were able to tap into the production-distribution-exhibition industries
Who introduced film to the Arab states? What was their original intention in filming in these locations?
-Europeans -Intention to support colonial cause; PROPAGANDA
What were two other inventions that were introduced to the Arab world along with cinema? What was radio used for in many states across the world, including those in the Arab world?
-Gramophone -Broadcasting -Radio as a tool for propaganda by state
What did filming in these locations allow European filmmakers to do to the ethnic populations? Landscapes? What were the roles of locals in these films?
-Inflexibility in understanding and portraying ethnic identity (very obvious superiority + inferiority roles in doing so) -Films shot in these exotic landscapes with western superiority and racism→ fictional film shots -locals did not have real role and were just part of the background
When and what were the original devices created for film experimenation? Who were the first people to create and distribute film equipment?
-New inventions came about in the second half of the 19th century (1895) -Camera, cinema, phonograph -Lumiere Brothers; Italy
In early Arab cinema, what guaranteed box-office hit? What was the Arab Ghina Music often compared to?
-Popularity of music in early Arab cinema ○ Music guaranteed box office hits Arab singing ghina closely linked to poetry ○ Singing increases the enjoyment of listening to poetic texts
What was characteristic about the early film industry in Lebanon? What initially contributed to a more active film industry in middle of the 20th century?
-Random early productions with high cinema attendance -An economic upswing that occurred after World War 2
What was the most popular Arab film studio that came out of the mid 1930s? Because of this studio, how many films did Egypt produce from 1945-1952? Who helped shape these Arab films? How was this influence sustained?
-Studio Misr in Egypt -48 Films per year -Employed European film specialists -Sent young Egyptians to study films in Europe
A majority of early silent films were.. What characteristic of comedies became outddated by the 1940s? Where did comedies gain their roots? What is characteristic of this art form?
-comedies ● Fragmentary style of comedy where it takes a long time to introduce the plot became outdated in the 1940s ● Draws from the regional tradition of the "shadow play" ○ relatively slow pace, verbally-oriented, wordplay, clumsy behavior of protagonists
What were the three general subjects that were considered taboo in the Arab film industry?
3 taboo subjects in Arab cinema= sex, politics, and religion
In what ways did colonialism contribute to the development of Arab cinema? Reference at least two countries
A Lot of the colonial powers sent people in to establish film industry; but did not include and feature native actors; films mainly for western audience; And colonial language 1. Egypt; 2. Algeria (films in multitude of French Theaters)
Who directed The Sparrow (1973)? When is the film set? What is it about? What is it often cited as? What does the character of Bahiya represent? What is the title, "The Sparrow" representative of?
A. Youssef Chahine b. Movie set shortly before the 6 day war in 1967 c. June, 1967, on the eve of the Six-Day War. The Sparrow follows a young police officer stationed in a small village in Upper Egypt whose inhabitants suffer the harassment of a corrupt businessman. The police officer crosses paths with a journalist who is investigating what appears to be a scandal involving the theft of weapons and war machinery by high officials. Youssef Chahine offers us a portrait of the "sparrows", the simple people of his country whom others use to get rich. d. Often cited as the 1st arab film dealing with defeat e. Bahiya— represents mother egypt f. The sparrow represents the lower class struggle
Who was considered the "King of Egyptian Comedy" and one of the highest paid actors on the market?
Adel Emam
What is the important message of Terrorism and Kebab?
Ahmed and his new compatriots negotiate with the Minister of Interior, who fears the building will be blown up, and he demands kebab for all the hostages, as meat is too expensive for most Egyptians. Writer Wahid Hamed has described the symbolic meaning of the demand: "People don't know what they want ... They are crushed, their dreams are impossible, they can't believe their demands can be fulfilled, so they ask for kebab.
Who was the pioneering director of Tunisia in the !920s? What did he introduce? Direct? And Organize?
Albert Chikly pioneering efforts (1920s) Introduced camera, made first film, organized first projection and screening.
In the early years, what did Algerians and Palestinians use cinema to do?
Algerians and Palestinians used cinema to produce counter-representations against French and Zionist propaganda
What was characteristic of censorship in the Arab film industry?
Arbitrary and Unpredictable → any film that portrays something that does not correspond to the normal or embarass the audience can be banned
Why did the Syrian film industry not develop? Where did many filmmakers opt to go for more opportunities? What became of the Syrian film industry after the 1963 revolution?
Bad economic state suppressed film development Many intellectuals left for more opportunity in Egypt Only commercial Egyptian productions and state productions after 1963 revolution
What was considered the dialect that dominated over other varieties in Egypt? What ultimately happened with this form of speech?
Cairo was the dialect dominated over other varieties in Egypt but it became disconnected from the real language of the people
When did cinema in Algeria start? What did these films typically consist of? What did this country lack? What did most films deal with until 1972?
Cinema started after independence in opposition to the French 1962 ● Movies and propaganda against colonialism ● Ex: Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina directed in Chronicle of the Years of Embers -Lacks qualified film technicians -Most films dealt with war and liberation until 1972
In terms of national identity, what often happened to elites? What became of nationalism in general?
Elites were westernized, making nationalism tinged with westernism
What two types of imports placed the highest strain on native developments? What did they do in response?
European and American imports placed the most strain on native developments they nationalized the distribution networks
Where did film development come from in Palestine? What were several works inspired by?
Decades of armed struggle for land/national identity
What did Youssef Chahine Experiment with? What did he originally support, but later change his mind about concerning Arab politics?
Experimented with realism c. Supported pan-arabism at first d. After six day war however he 'woke up from a post-independence nationalist euphoria'
What was a major reason that made Egyptianization of society and films possible in Egypt?
Egypt always had a dynamic multicultural life with native Egyptians that played an important role which was undisturbed by colonial authorities
What happened in 1919 that spurred the modernization and advanced innovation of Egyptian cinema? What was the revolutionary Egyptian film company that came about in 1920? By Who? What did he stress the reason for this studio was? What was it coined as in 1935?
Egyptian Revolution and the egyptianization of society 1920 Creation of Bank Msr by Talaat Harb -He wanted the company to be able to make Egyptian films about Egyptian subjects, Egyptian literature, and Egyptian aesthetics -studio misr
What led Egyptian entrepreneurs to Lebanon to build up the film industry? What ultimately stifled production and distribution in Lebanon?
Egyptian nationalization led entrepreneurs to Lebanon to create Civil war erupted in 1975
When did film culture begin in Tunisia? When was the first film made, post-independence? (1956) What was a characteristic of the Tunisian film industry throughout history?
Film culture starts in the decade before independence 1956 -1966: first post-independence film by a Tunisian -Lack of modern studios
What happened in 1914-1918 when foreigners came in to Egypt? What was the first film actually directed by an Egyptian? What is this director often regarded as?
First production of films in Egypt 1914-1918, by foreigners 1922 "First" film: Mohammad Bayoumi "The Clerk" Bayoumi = father of egyptian cinema (Ex: Barsoum Looking For a Job)
What were a few strategies by filmmakers to overcome censorship? (4)
Having two films (one to export, one to play at home) ○ Stylistically encode a message/action (linguistic images) ○ Coproductions offer alternative financing ○ Distort representation through distance, irony, and ambiguity
This genre of film is characterized by grand settings, enchanting stories, and focuses on a morally good hero, and less often a heroine, who must defeat a villain or accomplish a lofty goal.
Heroic Epic
Independence was a catalyst for _______ _______ In socialist Arabic states, what aspects of the film industry were managed by the state (2)
Independence was a catalyst for national filmmaking Socialist states: production and distribution managed by the state
What was a strong influence to early cinema productions? What genre was particularly popular and influential in this art form?
Influence of popular theatre in early cinema productions Influence of early dramatic forms in popular theater
Who were the main stars of 100% Arabica? Describe the plot...
Khaled, Cheb Mami The movie takes place in a poverty-stricken, rent-controlled neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris. Algerian immigrants, many of whom are in France illegally, the place has earned the nickname of "100%Arabica". It's a rough neighborhood - crime is rampant, gangs of juvenile delinquents roam the streets, and the police are afraid to patrol the area. When the out-of-touch mayor decides that he wants to restore order to the area, he offers a subsidy to Slimane, the imam of the local mosque. If Slimane can get people off the streets, the mayor will continue the payments. Soon the byways of 100%Arabica are almost peaceful - but not because of something Slimane has done. The reason is that a new Rai Band, Rap Oriental, has taken the neighborhood by storm...
In terms of national culture, how are the elite often cut off from the laiman? In terms of film costs, who gets the highest salary in the Arab film industry?
Members of the elite are often cut off from the mass of people by language Highest salary goes to actors
Although film was introduced to Arab countries early on in the 20th century...
Most Arab countries did not produce films before independence
In most Arab countries what was universal about cinema?
Most had a lack of film education in their country
During the Cold war, The Third World was....
Not aligned with US or USSR during Cold War
Describe the plot of Omar Gatlato...
Omar is a young and lively, rather macho Algerian who holds a good job in the Department of Frauds and lives in a crowded apartment with his sisters, his mother and grandparents. He loves to listen to Arabian and Indian music, to party with his friends, and to dream about women. A friend of his gives him a tape; when he listens to it, he is fascinated by the woman's voice. That same friend arranges for him to meet the woman, who is totally different from what he had imagined on hearing her voice.
Early on most theaters and productions were...
Owned and Produced by Europeans
After the Six-Day war, what came out of the film industry? What were some positive and negatives of private production companies working with foreign producers?
Post six day war new unconventional forms of cinema come out trying to break away from economic and political constraints Positive: films seen abroad. Neg: co produced films tend to make less money at home
Who directed Terrorism and Kebab (1992)? What Genre? Who does it star? What is it about?
Sherif Arafa; Black Comedy Adel Emam A family man frustrated by the bureaucracies of the Egyptian public system as well as difficulties of life finds himself inadvertently accused of terrorism and decides to maintain this role holding down hostages in one of Egypt's most congested public service buildings. As some sympathise and join his cause, an antagonistic interior minister aims to defuse the situation.
What came about in 1969 for the Algerian film industry?
The National Office for Trade and Film Industry ( ONCIC ), was an organization for the production and distribution of films in Algeria; May 1969-import and distribution monopoly entrusted exclusively to ONCIC)
Even though sometimes there remained a monopoly in distributions and importation... Give two examples of states that needed this help
There was a dependence on foreign products because national products were insufficient in states with smaller film industries Syria and Tunisia demanded state intervention because making films was costly
What was the "Missionary Zeal" of the some Melodramas? What are four common themes of melodramas?
To spread European ideals Themes of characters mistreated by fate Individual happiness love vs. tradition family
When was cinema introduced to the Arab world?
Within the first two years of its inception, film was introduced to the main population centers of the Arab world (Egypt, Iraq, etc.)
Who directed Cairo Central Station (1958)? Who does it star? What is it about? What genre is it considered?
Youssef Chahine Youssef Chahine, Farid Shawqi, Hind Rostom A newsstand owner takes pity on Qinawi, a lame young man, and gives him a job selling newspapers in the Cairo train station. The women there all shun him because of his mild handicap, though he has little trouble walking. Qinawi becomes obsessed with Hannuma, a beautiful cold drink vendor. But she is engaged to Abu Siri, a husky luggage porter who is trying to organize his co-workers into a union to better their lot. Nonetheless, Qinawi proposes to her. When she rejects his fantasy of a home and children in his village, Qinawi's obsession turns to madness. Neorealist Drama (Themes depicted in the film include the urban working class, gender-based violence, and sexual repression.)
Who directed 100% Arabica (1997)? Describe the setting. What two characters bring people together? Through what? What are 4 major themes of the film (gender, older generations, religion, high v. low)
a. Directed: Mahmoud Zemmouri, 1997. b. Set in a poor neighborhood in the outskirts of France i. Crime-filled, mostly arab immigrants c. Cheb Mami and Khaled bring people together with Rai music d. Some main themes i. gender/treatment of women— women in the film were treated extremely poorly, called bitches a lot, controlled ii. Criticism of the older generations/conservatives 1. A lot of religious corruption was beat out by music iii. Criticism of strict Islamic and how money corrupts people iv. High vs low culture in regard to music
Who directed Omar Gatlato (1976)? Where did it come from? Who composed the music? Who did it star? What forms of narration did it use?
a. Directed: Merzak Allouache, 1976. i. Algerian b. Music: Ahmed Malek c. Stars: Boualem Bennani (omar), Farida Guenaneche (Selma), Aziz Degga (Moh) d. Used 2nd/3rd person narration (Omar monologues right to the camera)
Who directed Hello America (2000)? Who was it produced by? What # is it in its trilogy series? Who does it star? What does Adel Emam's character serve as?
a. Directed: Nader Galal, 2000. b. Produced: Kamla Abu Zekri c. 3rd movie in a trilogy Adel Emam and Sherine Adel Emam's character is the archetype of an individual down on his luck who rises above powerful outside pressures and ends up dismissing the society as a whole
Who directed the film Dananir? Who did it star? What was it characterized with? What form of language did it use? What was it about?
a. Directed: Ahmad Badrakhan, 1940. b. Star: umm kulthum c. Long singing scenes Formal Traditional Arabic "Dananeer", set in Iraq during the Abbasid era, is the third film to star Oum Kolthoum. This 1940 picture is based on the true story of a poor Bedouin girl called Dananeer, an extraordinary singer, who makes it to the castle of Harun Al Rashid because of her wonderful voice and exquisite talent. She is the concubine of a minister, Yehya, but the film shows that she also accompanies his son Jaafar.On her discovery, Dananeer is encouraged to appreciate the arts and music. She is trained by Ishak El Musalli, a famous artist of the time. In the midst of all this, however, the Caliph turns against his adviser Jaafar and executes him, bringing about the end of the powerful family. According to the film, one of the main reasons for the Caliph turning against Jaafar is because of the adviser's growing power in ruling the country.Dananeer weeps for the man who nourished her talent and changed her life. She is asked to sing for the Caliph after Jaafar's execution and refuses, out of the loyalty to her former master. Her devotion gains the respect of the ruler and brings about her freedom. She becomes a symbol who is praised by poets. Artists are inspired to pay tribute her beauty and the power of her voice.
Who was Zohra (1922) Directed by? What is it credited as? Who does it star? What is it about? What genre does it belong to?
a. Directed: Albert Samama-Chikli, 1922. b. Credited as the first Tunisian film c. Stars: Haydee Chikli, his daughter d. About a woman who is shipwrecked young french woman who is taken in by the bedouins e. "Mysterious orient" genre.
Who directed The Flirtation of Girls (1949)? What genre? What did it make light of? What was it about? Who did it star?
a. Directed: Anwar Wagdi, 1949. b. Was a comedy Class division and the laughable excess of the upper class Laila (Laila Mourad), daughter of the wealthy Mourad Pasha (Suleiman Naguib), can't pass her exams in the Arabic language, and seeks the help of a tutor. Marzouk Afandy (Abdel Warres Assar), who works for the Pasha, brings Mr. Hamam (Naguib Al Rihani) to help her with her studies. Hamam falls in love with Laila, but realises she will be better off with Wahid (Anwar Wagdi). The movie takes place in several Egyptian cities.
Who directed/created Mishmish effendi (1935)? Who were they? What was Mishmish considered? Who was his girlfriend?
a. Directed: Frenkel Brothers, 1936-51. i. A jewish family from belarus, escaped to egypt during the jewish attacks in russia b. "Mickey Mouse got an Egyptian Brother" c. A character they created in 1935, a popular cartoon d. girlfriend= Bahea
Who directed The Nightingale's Prayer (The Call of the Curlew (1959)? Who did it star? What was it based on? Describe the plot.
a. Directed: Henry Barakat, 1959 b. Starred Faten Hamama (1931-2015) i. Refused to give a kiss onscreen until she made a movie with omar sharif, who she later married c. Based on the novel by Taha Hussein d. About a young woman named Amna from a small village. She, her mother, and her sister hanadi are forced to move to the city after their father is murdered for his infidelity. Her sister is seduced by her new boss, the engineer, and then is murdered (honor-killing) by her uncle. Amna vows revenge, and goes to work for the engineer. He tries to seduce her as well, and she eventually falls in love with him. However, her uncle comes back to try and kill her, and the engineer takes the bullet for her.
Who directed the film Chased by the Dogs (1962)? Why did he refuse to include music in his films? What is the story based on? What genre is this film considered? What is the narrator considered? What is religion considered?
a. Directed: Kamal al-Shaykh, 1962. i. Refused to put songs in his movies, because it made it less realistic to stop action for a song b. Based on the novel by Naguib Mahfouz c. Literary adaptations— film= popular right away, was a new genre (A critique of social abuses and of bourgeois morals/snobbery) d. Narrator is the only source of knowledge i. Uses flashbacks, thinks his personal story=collective story e. Sheikh— useless. Religion can be a temporal refuge, but cannot save somebody like Sa'id, who cannot be saved through love and resignation
Who directed Saladin (1963)? What was it based on? What are its major points (Chris v. Muslim, coloniz and control of J, hero, alleg.) What is its genre? Who does it star?
a. Directed: Youssef Chahine, 1963 b. Based on a novel by Naguib Mahfouz c. Major points: christian v. muslim rhetoric, colonization and control of Jerusalem, heroism, allegiance Heroic Epic Ahmed Mazar
What genre is the film Barsum Looks For a Job (1923)? Who directed it (What is important about him (2))? Who are the two main characters? Who does it star?
a. Genre: comedy b. Directed: Mohamed Bayoumi, 1923. i. Bayoumi— Egyptian filmmaker in the 20s. ii. Filmed the opening of tutankhamun's tomb, founded Egypt's first cinema school, studied film in germany, and went to military school before that c. 2 main characters, Barsum (a christian), and his muslim friend who are both looking for a job Adel Hameed...Barsoum Bechara Wakim...Metwalli
What did Naghib Mahfouz write? What did his post-realist phase entail (2) What subject can be found across his writings?
a. Wrote some historical novels, went through a realist phase b. Post realist phase i. Importance given to the internal world of the characters, pessismism, internal monologues ii. "The Thief and the Dogs" is first novel in this phase c. Find politics in all of his writings
What are the films major points? (Values, cultures, islam, israeli-palestine, $$) What is the film about?
d. Major Points: i. - Criticism of perceived American values ii. - Dichotomy between Egyptian and American culture iii. - Islamic Radicalism iv. - Israeli-Palestinian conflict/American foreign policy v. - Role of money After being suspended from the People's Council, Bakhit and Adeela travel to New York at the request of Bakhit's cousin Nawfal who is a wealthy man living with his wife and two kids. Bakhit and Adeela notice the cultural differences as they try to earn a decent living in America and get married after years of waiting.
What is Saladin about?
d. Summary: Set during the 3rd crusade the film loosely follows warlord Salah al-Din al-Ayubi, the first sultan of Egypt and Syria, and other characters (Richard the Lionheart, King Philip of France etc.) Salah al-Din is portrayed as a pan-Arab national hero who was able to defeat the crusaders with his military skill, wisdom, righteousness and dignity.
In algeria, a majority of the roles in French films that were set in the Maghreb...
did not feature Arab actors.
What was the first movie for MishMish Effendi? How long did they screen the movies in Cairo? Give an example of a specific Mishmish film used for government purposes? Why did the cartoon ultimately die out?
e. First movies was "Ma Fish Faida" in 1936 f. Screened the movies in Cairo until 1939 g. 1940— during WWII, the ministry of war ordered patriotic films, so mishmish starred in "National Defense" h. Frenkel brothers left egypt in 1948 after the creation of israel, and they fled to Paris
What was a large focus of the film/characteristic Omar "HAD" to maintain? What type of music did Omar like? What tensions does it illustrate? What was it one of the first films to do? (2) Viewed as a representation of...
f. Large focus on the prevalence and importance of masculinity g. Significance of locally produced music h. Illustrates tensions between gender expectations i. Was one of the first Algerian films to avoid the subject of the war of independence against France i. Viewed as being a representation of normal Algerian life j. Known as the first movie to show the language of the people instead of MSA,
What are a few film techniques found in Chased By Dogs? What are the meaning of the names of Characters? Who did it star? What is it about?
f. Opposition of light and dark, day and night, open and closed spaces g. Names have meaning i. sanaa/noor= brightness and light ii. alish= wolf iii. Sa'id= happy (ironic) Shadia Shukri Sarhan Kamal El-Shinnawi After four years in prison, the young thief Said Mahran come out of jail & seek revenge against those who betrayed him,his beloved wife and his trusted henchman, who conspired to turn him into the police,they are now married to each other and are keeping his six-year-old daughter from him and his mentor Rauf Ilwan.The original title in Arabic mean "the thief & the dogs" this movie was Adapted from a famous novella by Naguib Mahfouz how also co-wrote the film screenplay.Mahfouz was inspired by the life of the famous Egyptian thief Mahmoud Amin Soliman. My first Egyptian film by Kamal El Sheikh is one ridiculously entertaining film, on par with the most famous American crime classics and film-noirs of the era! Originally, the story was inspired by the life of the famous Egyptian thief Mahmoud Amin Soliman, so the film actually comes from an adaptation of the novel by Naguib Mahfouz entitled "The Thief and the Dogs", which is also the literal translation of the title El less wal kilab. This deceptively simple story opens with the conspiracy pulled off against Mahran, the protagonist who is also the leader of a gang of thieves. Mahran steals from the affluent to distribute the wealth to the poorer, like a modernized version of Robin Hood. This idea was encouraged by a poor student in the university dorms he worked for. However, both his favorite henchman (Eleish) and Mahran's wife conspire against Mahran during a heist, putting him in jail. Waiting for his time sentence, he plans a revenge to settle accounts once he is released. However, this planned vendetta shall bring tragic circumstances not only to him, but to several people involved. As it has been said then, it is a revenge crime classic! Nevertheless, Kamal El Sheikh films all sequences in fantastic form. From the pulse-pounding, silent opening heist sequence where film-noir lightning and shadows are put to the best of treatments and camera lurks around every corner invasively, to Hitchcockian camera stunts to emphasize either past memories, allegorical representations of guilt, and desperation, Chased by the Dogs becomes an expertly shot film by a crew that displays true talent in the delivery of the genre. The most surprising achievement of it is that it manages to remain very (and I mean very) entertaining while also being a thought-provoking reflection about personal vengeance and treason. But then, it is also a tragic account about a man who waited for many years to be released from prison just to be imprisoned again by his own demons: his mind, his guilt, and his way of living, which seems impossible for him to abandon. Building a moral judgment in the film actually becomes impossible, because it presents an empathetic situation easily to relate to (your wife cheats on you with your traitor) through a man that steals things from other people and feels no remorse while killing. VERY LIGHT SPOILERS ABOUT THE DESCRIPTION OF A SCENE WITHOUT CONTAINING ANY KEY STORY ELEMENTS: My favorite sequence involves Mahran after fulfilling his prison-term sentence, where he stands before a window with metal bars during nighttime, looking at the dark sky, and holding the bars with his hands, as in prison. The film then shifts to an imagined trial that seems to take place in an otherwordly realm, and we see Mahran confessing his crimes while attempting to morally justify them. The camera zooms out, and we see Mahran holding the bars against him, even though he is not imprisoned. This was a fantastic technical stunt to mirror the state of his imprisoned mind.
Where was the blind Novelist, Taha Hussein born? Where were they educated? In 1950 what did they become the minister of? What were they often called?
i. 1889-1973, born in upper egypt, blind by the age of 3 ii. 1st person to get a phd from the university of cairo iii. 1950 became the minister of education, and set a framework for secular education iv. Called "The dean of Arabic Literature"
When was Yusuf Chahine born? Educated? Why did he leave egypt? What was his first movie? Name three of his other popular films? After 1963, after the egyptian film industry was nationalized, Chahine left for _____ and ....
i. Born 1926 in cairo to a levantine christian family ii. Educated in Victoria college of alexandria iii. Left egypt for 'pasadora playhouse' in 1946 LA 1. Decided to be a director, and not an actor iv. First movie— baba amin 1950, then started making popular films to be successful commercially v. 1958— cairo central station (1st realistic movie) vi. 1958— jamila the algerian (solidarity with algeria) vii. 1963— saladin, an ode to arab nationalism viii. After 1963, when the egyptian film industry was nationalized, he left to lebanon and stopped making arab pan-arab movies, after 1967 revolution
What were the main things about 1920s egypt Barsum Looks For a Job shows? (Competition, French infl., Saad Zaghloul, religious, Fez)
i. Fierce competition for food/economy in lower class ii. French influence in egypt (cultural difference between britain and france) iii. Support of saad zaghloul (based on the picture of him and the flag of egypt seen in one scene). Even if you're poor you are with zaghloul iv. Religious cohesion— muslim and christian helping each other → unity within the religions v. Only films before or meant to portray before 1952 have the Fez 1. Only bad people wear the fez after that time (especially in the 60s/70s)
Who was Naguib Mahfouz? What prize did they win? What did they note about tragedy?
i. Mahfouz was an egyptian novelist and screenplay writer ii. Won nobel prize for literature (the first arab to do so) iii. Tragedy usually serves as a starting point, character is usually a victim of their own circumstances
Film production initially remained confined to foreign and non-native investors. What is an example of this?
in Algeria french used it to impose their culture, confine indigenous culture, and spread propaganda
Because the third world was occupied by Western powers who imposed their language, cultures, and ideology, it led to...
violent revolutions against power
What was considered the "Golden Age of filmmaking in Egypt? When and why did this take a turn? What was the remedy for this for some Egyptian directors?
■ 1940s-1950s- golden age ■ 1960s full involvement of state (censorship; Nasserist Era) ■ 1970s film makers began to leave and work outside of Egypt; spread of Egyptian film + customs elsewhere
What were the origins of Arab filmmaking like? (Where did it come from? What did it weaken? What was a major problem it ran into? What were the first films originally produced as?)
■ Arab film origins stemmed from the elite that were Educated in Europe ■ Weakened links of Arab traditionalism ■ Linguistic issues because traditional Arab and local Arab dialects/inflections varied from state to state ■ First films were financed by Europeans as co productions
What were 5 pros of nationalizing the film industry? (Taxes, co-prod, econ, identity, colonialism)
■ Could control taxes and fees on imported films and reinvest them in home production ■ Egyptian nationalization promoted filmmakers to move to lebanon and jordan or rely on co productions ■ Good for local economy ■ Legitimize a national identity ■ Combats impacts of colonialism (algeria making films critiquing French and french colonialism)
In Algeria what was characteristic of the film industry? Who set the rules on the film industry? What refrained Algerian culture from being portrayed on film? (3)
■ Indigenous culture was suppressed and there weren't any native movie makers ■ French; had very strict rules on what narratives could be pursued ■ Students taught only french ■ High taxes ■ Limited categories of what films could be pursued and what films came about
What were four cons of nationalization (financial, state officials, standards, prop)
■ Long run insufficient financial means ■ Incompetence of state officials (Nasser) ■ Standards decreased ■ Propaganda
After the 1919 revolution, what was sparked in its citizens? What were 4 reasons for its expanding film industry ($$, Educ, migr, artforms)
○ After 1919 upheavals there was strong interest in film as an established art ○ Increasing Egyptianization due to independence in the economy ○ Had a film school; Cairo Higher Institute of cinema ○ Many people migrated to Egypt at the time ○ Incorporated other forms of art like music and live theater into films
What was an example of a state that attempted to oust western influence? Was this generally difficult?
○ American and French films boycotted in Tunisia ○ It was hard to oust western influence
What did Algerian filmmakers do with their films in order to create a language that could be translated from film to film? An example of a film that made use of this?
○ At first films use colloquial arabic without french terminology and they dont take into account the local dialects = artificial language ○ Omar gatlato is the first one to not do this - has authentic language
What is Danaanir considered in terms of language? What was Omar Gatlato the first film to do?
○ Danaanir†is one of few films to use modern standard arabic (fusha) ○ The first movie in algerian dialect was omar†gatlato
Explain how Europeans influenced Arab theater and culture? Why did Modern Native theater develop late in Egypt? Because of these factors, what were the common tropes seen in this medium?
○ European influence ■ First european style theater in Beirut in 1848 ■ a large number of french plays were Arabitized ○ Modern native theater developed much later than Egypt ■ bc loss of talented artists to Egypt ■ French attempts to marginalize indigenous culture in N Africa ○ Tropes ■ Stereotypes of accidents, nubians, upper Egypt society
Name two different forms of narraration techniques+examples?
○ Monologue (omar gatlato) ○ Anecdotes/flashbacks ■ Chased by the dogs
Before independence, what was unique about music? Describe Egyptian theater before independence?
○ Music was already popular and musicians like Umm Kulthum sang and acted in films ○ Egyptian theater was full of shadow play and comedic scenes and was further influenced by European cinema
What was a form of theater that came before Europeans? How did Europeans contribute to this medium? Why did Greek gods/stories not translate super easily into Egyptian cinema?
○ Noty dramatic theater before Europeans came just passion plays and story telling ○ Greek gods and stories did not resonate because they believe in one monolithic God; No depictions of God in Islam
What form of literature was popular before Egyptian independence? What was the Maqama genre of film?
○ Popularity of poetry ○ Genre of maqama similar to drama ■ More of a narrative but not performed by actors -literary genre which alternates the Arabic rhymed prose known as Saj' with intervals of poetry in which rhetorical extravagance is conspicuous.
What was Algeria Rai (1960s-1980s)? What was the Egyptian music genre that came out of the 1970s? What event caused a global Arabic music decline?
○ Spoke of common people's struggles ○ Rai singers attacked by radical muslims and immigrated to france ● 1970s Egyptian Shaabi (It is a form of popular working-class music which evolved from baladi in the second half of the 20th century. The musical styles of Algerian chaabi or Moroccan chaabi, sharing the same Arabic name, are very different and older musical genres.) ● Decline of global Arabic music decline after 9/11
What was a typical trend of Melodramas in the 1940s-50s? 1980s-1990s?
● 1940s-50s Morally and Physically threatened women in almost all melodramas ● 1980s-90s Melodrama almost completely replaced by realist films
What were two examples of film censorship? What was a sneaky way the government would censor foreign films?
● Examples of censorship. The†Nightingale's†Prayer ■ All sexual actions took place behind closed doors ■ Never mentioned sex/rape, only said seduction Hello†America ■ Prostitute scene was used imagery of a rocket to imply sex Also, governments used to change the subtitles for foreign films, making them more appropriate (but incorrectly translated)
From the 1960s onwards, what was a shift in comedies? Describe the 4 categories of comedies (Gags, situation, analogies, derision)
● From the 1960s, a shift towards realism in comedy ● Describes 4 categories of comedy: gags, situations, analogies, and derision ○ Gags: Questions identities and what is significant using a series of gags ○ Situations: Mistake intrudes into the life of the central character, somehow the character finds himself out of place and must find his way back in ○ Analogies: Use substitution to critique an institution; this is a way to get around censorship ○ Derision: Based on the tradition of hija (derision), it draws out the issue at hand and is a way of degrading an enemy
What was the Golden Age of musical films? Who was the featured star? When did Music quality decline? To turn this trend around, what did Arab singers do? What genre came out of this?
● Golden Age 1952-1957 ○ Politically correct music and films ○ Umm Kulthum was popular and supported Nasser ● Musically Quality Decline in 1960s ● Arabs took western pop music and spun it in their own way ● Algeria rai 1960s-1980s
What does the Melodrama genre express? What two groups does it focus on in terms of societal rules/differences? What are the typical characterizations of these groups?
● Melodrama is a genre expressing extremes of emotions ● Focuses on societal rules and social differences between men and women ● - Women=weeping and helpless, didn't express emotions or desires ● - Men=masculine, carry inevitable pattern of corruption, rise, downfall, and replacement (futuwwa)
