CHOOSE TWO or THREE films from the list of films available and compare them. Choose your films from at least TWO different national cinemas (ex. Algerian and Palestinian; Egyptian and Tunisian, etc.).
LIST OF FILMS
Egypt:
Youssef Chahine, The Sixth Day (1986)
Youssef Chahine, Alexandria Again and Forever (1989)
Youssef Chahine, Destiny (1997)
Khaled Marei, Bittersweet (2010)
Mohammad Khan, Before the Summer Crowds (2016)
Tunisia:
Ferid Boughedir, Halfaouine (1990)
Moufida Tlatli, The Silences of the Palace (1994)
Nouri Bouzid, Making Of (2006)
Morocco:
Nabil Ayouch, Ali Zaoua (2000)
Ismail Ferroukhi, Le Grand Voyage (2004)
Nabil Ayouch, Whatever Lola Wants (2007)
Algeria:
Nadir Moknèche, Viva Laldjérie (2004)
Rachid Bouchareb, Indigènes (2006)
Mehdi Charef, Cartouches Gauloises (2007)
Palestine:
Michel Khleifi, Wedding in Galilee (1987)
Elia Suleiman, The Time that Remains (2009)
Hani Abou Assad, Omar (2013)
Lebanon:
Randa Chahal-Sabbagh, The Kite (2002)
Nadine Labaki, Where Do We Go Now (2012)
Nadine Labaki, Capernaum (2018)
Yemen and Saudi Arabia:
Badr Ben Hirsi, A New Day in Old Sanaa (2005)
Haifaa al-Mansour, Wajda (2012)
Mahmoud Sabbagh, Baraka Meets Baraka (2016)
North American Diaspora:
Ruba Nadda, Cairo Time (2009)
Cherin Daabis, Amreeka (2009)
Cherin Daabis, May in the Summer (2013)
2- CHOOSE a topic (children, women, borders, etc.). If you are short of ideas for a topic, please review class notes for guidance. Focus on this topic when you watch the movies and when you compare styles, characters, and themes.
3- READ scholarly references on the movies and the topics (at least THREE sources of reference are required). You may include readings on Arab cinema. Internet can be used as an extra source of reference. Recent books are recommended.
4- PLAN your paper before writing. Identify 3 or 4 major ideas you want to discuss. Under each major idea, identify a number of sub-ideas to be developed in the same paragraph. Order your ideas following a clear and logical structure. Create links between the ideas.
5- REMEMBER: Opinions without argumentation are not productive. To submit an excellent research paper, you must analyze, discuss, and argue using scholarly references and the analytical approaches discussed in class.
Comparative Analysis of Women's Representation in Arab Cinema: A Focus on Lebanon and Palestine
Thesis Statement:
In examining the portrayal of women in Lebanese and Palestinian cinema, specifically through the films "The Kite" by Randa Chahal-Sabbagh and "Wedding in Galilee" by Michel Khleifi, we can observe how these two national cinemas grapple with similar themes of tradition, resistance, and the complexities of womanhood in the face of societal expectations and political turmoil.
Introduction:
Women have long served as central figures in Arab cinema, reflecting the diverse experiences and struggles faced by women in the region. By analyzing the representation of women in Lebanese and Palestinian films, we can gain insight into how these national cinemas navigate issues of gender, tradition, and resistance. This comparative analysis will focus on "The Kite" and "Wedding in Galilee" to explore the portrayal of women and the ways in which these films address societal norms and political contexts.
1. Tradition vs. Modernity:
Lebanon - "The Kite"
- Discuss how "The Kite" portrays the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations through the character of Lamia.
- Analyze Lamia's struggle to break free from societal constraints while navigating her desires for independence and self-expression.
- Examine how Randa Chahal-Sabbagh uses symbolism and narrative to highlight the tension between tradition and modernity in Lebanese society.
Palestine - "Wedding in Galilee"
- Explore how "Wedding in Galilee" depicts the role of women within traditional Palestinian society.
- Discuss the character of the bride and her interactions with male figures to showcase the expectations placed on Palestinian women.
- Analyze how Michel Khleifi portrays the complexities of tradition and resistance through the lens of women's experiences in Palestinian culture.
2. Resistance and Resilience:
Lebanon - "The Kite"
- Examine how "The Kite" addresses themes of resistance and resilience through Lamia's character.
- Discuss Lamia's defiance against societal norms and her pursuit of personal freedom as a form of resistance.
- Analyze how the film conveys the strength and agency of Lebanese women in the face of patriarchal structures and political turmoil.
Palestine - "Wedding in Galilee"
- Explore how "Wedding in Galilee" portrays women as agents of resistance within the context of Palestinian struggles.
- Discuss the bride's silent acts of defiance and negotiation as a means to challenge patriarchal authority.
- Analyze how Khleifi uses women's experiences to underscore the resilience and determination of Palestinian communities facing oppression.
3. Intersectionality and Identity:
Lebanon - "The Kite"
- Examine how "The Kite" delves into issues of intersectionality by exploring the intersections of gender, class, and political conflict.
- Discuss how Lamia's identity as a woman from a marginalized community shapes her experiences and interactions with other characters.
- Analyze how Randa Chahal-Sabbagh highlights the complexities of identity formation amidst Lebanon's socio-political landscape.
Palestine - "Wedding in Galilee"
- Explore how "Wedding in Galilee" addresses intersecting identities of gender, nationality, and resistance within Palestinian society.
- Discuss the bride's negotiation of her identity as a Palestinian woman amidst cultural traditions and political realities.
- Analyze how Khleifi portrays the nuances of identity formation and belonging through women's perspectives in the film.
Conclusion:
Through the comparative analysis of "The Kite" and "Wedding in Galilee," we have explored how Lebanese and Palestinian cinema depict women's experiences with tradition, resistance, and identity. By examining these films through a gendered lens, we can appreciate the complexities of women's roles in Arab societies and their contributions to narratives of empowerment, resilience, and cultural heritage. These films serve as poignant reflections of the diverse voices and struggles shaping women's lives in Lebanon and Palestine, highlighting the importance of women's representation in Arab cinema.