National Cinema (351-0-70)

Topic

Modern Arab Cinema (2011-20)

Instructors

Rana Kazkaz

Meeting Info

Northwestern Qatar Room 1-243: Tues, Su 8:30AM - 9:45AM (AST)

Overview of class

The Arab Spring inspired a resurgence in filmmaking in the Arab world. This course will screen and analyze dramatic films, both documentaries and narratives, from countries including Tunisia, Syria and Egypt, by both male and female directors, that were made in the decade that followed the beginning of the Arab Spring, 2011-2020. By analyzing the selected films for their aesthetics and themes, as well as their political and societal context, students will gain perspective into each filmmaker's singular cinematic vision as well as the events that led up to the Arab Spring and the complex set of consequences that followed and continue to reverberate throughout the world. Students will have the unique opportunity to interact with the filmmakers of the screened films in order to gain insight into their directorial choices and personal reasons for making their films. Finally, students will learn how to discuss, present and write about film.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: None

Open to sophomores and above, MIT majors only

Satisfies Media & Politics Minor & Middle East Studies Minor

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for COMM Majors who are Sophomores and above.