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The Hollywood Reporter: Yousry Nasrallah, the Egyptian director whose film After the Battle played In Competition during the Festival de Cannes, says Arab film sector faces collapse due to Middle East turmoil and Arab TV stations not buying films.
This is actually the second article about film in the Middle East I have read on this blog. The first article was about a series of short films that were released for the first time after a dictator was overthrown. This is different because it deals with movie rights and more economic and social issues. The cinema could collapse because it is dangerous to create films due to the social and political situation in Abu Dhabi. Film making is really a sign of freedom in society. If private films are able to be produced that means that there is at least a certain level of freedom of speech and press which is a big step in the right direction for many countries.
The economics of film making have always been a little shaky. First, it is a testament to the US's anti-trust, anti-monopoly laws. Because films make money via people buying the rights, there needs to be a market for them. In these Arab countries, the two stations make up pretty much all the market for these films, and they have tons of movies already, so they do not have any interest in buying more films. Fortunately in the US, there is a large market and a fairly safe one at that. Let's hope it stays that way; I would love to get into film!
The article mentions a lack of feature film work because of a lack of purchasing outlets which does not surprise me. However, film like any other artistic media will never be completely removed from any society if there is something to be captured. Unlike past generations of film makers the current generation can make their art digitally for a fraction of the price of shooting on film. As the money is removed from the equation the film makers must become more creative and compelling in how they tell their stories which will garner them a product which is much more profound. This can be equated to truly artistic and innovative low budget theatre. I hope that these film makers can still realize their vision because the commitment it takes to be able to say that neither US detainment or capture by Al Queda will stop their message and artistic output is truly remarkable.
Film, like any art, is often produced liberal minded artists. In the middle east, people are conservative and closed minded, and in turn, have a lot of reasons to prevent creative expression. If the population wanted more film, and this type of work, they would demand it, and in turn, economic conditions would change to make it possible to create the film. I think the bigger problem this article raises is how socially different this area of the world is.
I don't think its just that they are culturally different. I think a lot of it is that some people want to prevent creative expression and individuals ideas, as we saw with the film maker who was almost shut down because the opponents lied about sex scenes in masques, and the fact that this part of the world is in turmoil and the film industry isn't a priority at the moment. I do think its great that these film makers are determined to create a film industry and that it could benefit them greatly in creating jobs.
Although a little horrified by some of the content in this article I am not altogether surprised. This region of the world has been suppressing things for years, it makes sense that this would extend to film during the turmoil of a regime change. What really gets me though is that its not just that there is not an economy for it; Al-Daradji said that people were spreading terrible lies and rumors about him and his movies to try to get him to cease production. I do disagree with MONJARK though film is not mostly used by "liberal minded artists" It has been used much more throughout the last hundred years as propaganda, and I think that many movie just aim to make money. There is huge industry form movies that are not necessarily artistic in intention.
It is tough that creating and marketing films in the Middle East. There will always be an artist's passion that want to create and inspire change or tell a story, share information. It is unfortunate that there is not a strong outlet for filmmakers but as Jon pointed out, economically there may just not be the demand. That or, as the article mentions, the monopoly of films go through either ART or Rotana, who may be stifling production. As people who are constantly aiming to create and inspire here at CMU, I think we have an understanding of where the passion comes from, but we are fortunate to be able to explore and support our passions in school and beyond. The man who was a prisoner of war under two different groups still went on to finish his film, drive like that is the inspiration people want to come from following one's passions, but unfortunately the films that come out of these stories may never reach a mass audience, and the stories of their production die with them.
Reading this article makes me remember how fortunate I am to live in a place where creative expression is fostered and encouraged. While it is true that not every film made in the United States makes it to the box office, at least making films is possible and no one undergoes threats to materialize their visions. Not only are filmmakers facing threats but what films they do make are not being purchased due to the triumph of large companies, which I think is another unfortunate form of oppression for the people in the Middle East. I hope to see the day when individuals gain more freedom in that region.
I don't understand why people in Middle East will oppose the film production and spread bad rumors until the production is canceled. Filming is also one form of expressing one's idea through capturing moments. However, if this activity is disturbed by any reason, it will be very unfortunate and unfair. Especially when citizens and society do not support the production and only way is to work outside of the country, it is very sad to hear a career related to my major is disappearing in Middle East. I was surprised to read that some people in this country totally disagree with film production, when movie to me is an art and entertainment.
I honestly don't find this article that surprising. The Middle East often has very limited views in regards to public opinion or even censorship of film in general. I think like others posted film is a risky business I feel like that is especially true in the Middle East because views are so conservative. I think that the people would want more films if it was as popular as it was in the US. The broadcasting outlets have obviously weighed this factor and have decided not to buy more films. In such an opinionated industry such as film and television where ratings literally can shut a show down it isn't surprising that purchasing new films is out of the question. If people don't want them people are not going to take risks to obtain them.
Limitations are essential to good art. Like the over-gorged tomato from a plant given too much sun and water, art produced with too many resources on hand is often bland, unsatisfying and devoid of much meaning (OK, so that last part doesn't fit the metaphor, although there's a tomato somewhere giving someone meaning in their lives right now, I bet). If this is true, and it may not be, but if it is true, then we should all be hoping that the next great wave of poignant films and plays will be coming soon, to a theatre near you, via Lebanon, or Tripoli, or the Sawat Valley. Obviously we artists of the west have little left to say. We let our "Housewives from New Jersey" do the talking for us. I, for one, am eager to hear what people, in the midst of something like our Civil War and Revolution combined, are thinking about their lives, their worlds, their cultures. I propose we found a non-profit, perhaps associated with CMU SOD that will set up seed-funding for theatre and film projects in the Middle East. Furthermore, I think we should set up as a part of our non-profit a fellowship for Middle Eastern artists to come to CMU to develop their production capabilities, to engage with our faculty and student body in projects that reflect the importance of art in the region, and to facilitate our understanding of Modern Middle Eastern art. Lastly, I could also see as par of the program a process where our students could be invited overseas to engage directly in the making of art in an environment that I can only imagine would be very different from the concrete bunker we inhabit. The Middle East will be an increasingly important part of our artistic culture here in the West, as both creators and consumers of art. I think CMU should lead the way in creating space and opportunities for Modern Middle Eastern art to flourish as it should, both here and abroad.
11 comments:
This is actually the second article about film in the Middle East I have read on this blog. The first article was about a series of short films that were released for the first time after a dictator was overthrown. This is different because it deals with movie rights and more economic and social issues. The cinema could collapse because it is dangerous to create films due to the social and political situation in Abu Dhabi. Film making is really a sign of freedom in society. If private films are able to be produced that means that there is at least a certain level of freedom of speech and press which is a big step in the right direction for many countries.
The economics of film making have always been a little shaky. First, it is a testament to the US's anti-trust, anti-monopoly laws. Because films make money via people buying the rights, there needs to be a market for them. In these Arab countries, the two stations make up pretty much all the market for these films, and they have tons of movies already, so they do not have any interest in buying more films. Fortunately in the US, there is a large market and a fairly safe one at that. Let's hope it stays that way; I would love to get into film!
The article mentions a lack of feature film work because of a lack of purchasing outlets which does not surprise me. However, film like any other artistic media will never be completely removed from any society if there is something to be captured. Unlike past generations of film makers the current generation can make their art digitally for a fraction of the price of shooting on film. As the money is removed from the equation the film makers must become more creative and compelling in how they tell their stories which will garner them a product which is much more profound. This can be equated to truly artistic and innovative low budget theatre. I hope that these film makers can still realize their vision because the commitment it takes to be able to say that neither US detainment or capture by Al Queda will stop their message and artistic output is truly remarkable.
Film, like any art, is often produced liberal minded artists. In the middle east, people are conservative and closed minded, and in turn, have a lot of reasons to prevent creative expression. If the population wanted more film, and this type of work, they would demand it, and in turn, economic conditions would change to make it possible to create the film. I think the bigger problem this article raises is how socially different this area of the world is.
I don't think its just that they are culturally different. I think a lot of it is that some people want to prevent creative expression and individuals ideas, as we saw with the film maker who was almost shut down because the opponents lied about sex scenes in masques, and the fact that this part of the world is in turmoil and the film industry isn't a priority at the moment. I do think its great that these film makers are determined to create a film industry and that it could benefit them greatly in creating jobs.
Although a little horrified by some of the content in this article I am not altogether surprised. This region of the world has been suppressing things for years, it makes sense that this would extend to film during the turmoil of a regime change. What really gets me though is that its not just that there is not an economy for it; Al-Daradji said that people were spreading terrible lies and rumors about him and his movies to try to get him to cease production. I do disagree with MONJARK though film is not mostly used by "liberal minded artists" It has been used much more throughout the last hundred years as propaganda, and I think that many movie just aim to make money. There is huge industry form movies that are not necessarily artistic in intention.
It is tough that creating and marketing films in the Middle East. There will always be an artist's passion that want to create and inspire change or tell a story, share information. It is unfortunate that there is not a strong outlet for filmmakers but as Jon pointed out, economically there may just not be the demand. That or, as the article mentions, the monopoly of films go through either ART or Rotana, who may be stifling production. As people who are constantly aiming to create and inspire here at CMU, I think we have an understanding of where the passion comes from, but we are fortunate to be able to explore and support our passions in school and beyond. The man who was a prisoner of war under two different groups still went on to finish his film, drive like that is the inspiration people want to come from following one's passions, but unfortunately the films that come out of these stories may never reach a mass audience, and the stories of their production die with them.
Reading this article makes me remember how fortunate I am to live in a place where creative expression is fostered and encouraged. While it is true that not every film made in the United States makes it to the box office, at least making films is possible and no one undergoes threats to materialize their visions. Not only are filmmakers facing threats but what films they do make are not being purchased due to the triumph of large companies, which I think is another unfortunate form of oppression for the people in the Middle East. I hope to see the day when individuals gain more freedom in that region.
I don't understand why people in Middle East will oppose the film production and spread bad rumors until the production is canceled. Filming is also one form of expressing one's idea through capturing moments. However, if this activity is disturbed by any reason, it will be very unfortunate and unfair. Especially when citizens and society do not support the production and only way is to work outside of the country, it is very sad to hear a career related to my major is disappearing in Middle East. I was surprised to read that some people in this country totally disagree with film production, when movie to me is an art and entertainment.
I honestly don't find this article that surprising. The Middle East often has very limited views in regards to public opinion or even censorship of film in general. I think like others posted film is a risky business I feel like that is especially true in the Middle East because views are so conservative. I think that the people would want more films if it was as popular as it was in the US. The broadcasting outlets have obviously weighed this factor and have decided not to buy more films. In such an opinionated industry such as film and television where ratings literally can shut a show down it isn't surprising that purchasing new films is out of the question. If people don't want them people are not going to take risks to obtain them.
Limitations are essential to good art. Like the over-gorged tomato from a plant given too much sun and water, art produced with too many resources on hand is often bland, unsatisfying and devoid of much meaning (OK, so that last part doesn't fit the metaphor, although there's a tomato somewhere giving someone meaning in their lives right now, I bet). If this is true, and it may not be, but if it is true, then we should all be hoping that the next great wave of poignant films and plays will be coming soon, to a theatre near you, via Lebanon, or Tripoli, or the Sawat Valley. Obviously we artists of the west have little left to say. We let our "Housewives from New Jersey" do the talking for us. I, for one, am eager to hear what people, in the midst of something like our Civil War and Revolution combined, are thinking about their lives, their worlds, their cultures. I propose we found a non-profit, perhaps associated with CMU SOD that will set up seed-funding for theatre and film projects in the Middle East. Furthermore, I think we should set up as a part of our non-profit a fellowship for Middle Eastern artists to come to CMU to develop their production capabilities, to engage with our faculty and student body in projects that reflect the importance of art in the region, and to facilitate our understanding of Modern Middle Eastern art. Lastly, I could also see as par of the program a process where our students could be invited overseas to engage directly in the making of art in an environment that I can only imagine would be very different from the concrete bunker we inhabit. The Middle East will be an increasingly important part of our artistic culture here in the West, as both creators and consumers of art. I think CMU should lead the way in creating space and opportunities for Modern Middle Eastern art to flourish as it should, both here and abroad.
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