Portrayal of Palestinians in Egyptian Cinema

Abstract

This thesis investigates the evolving portrayal of Palestinians in Egyptian cinema from the beginning of the Nakba, prior to the 1952 revolution, to the end of Hosni Mubarak's rule – a period marked by shifting political alliances and ideological transformations in Egypt. Recognizing cinema's power in shaping public opinion, this study explores how socio-political contexts, economic interests, censorship, and the agendas of producers, distributors, and the government influence the portrayal of the Palestinian cause in films. Analyzing Factors influencing films across different eras – from the Monarchy under colonial rule, to the Pan-Arabism of Nasser, the peace initiatives of Sadat, and the complex realities of the Mubarak era during the first and second Intifada, Oslo Accords, and post-revolution – reveals a dynamic interplay between national identity, regional and Western political alliances, and cinematic narratives. While early films, often melodramas owned by the Bourgeois, were later nationalized as instruments for an Arab unity project, the 1967 defeat ushered in introspection and shifting perspectives among filmmakers. Sadat's peace treaty, though regaining Sinai, sparked debate reflected in nuanced portrayals of Palestinians. The Mubarak era saw films rejecting normalization policies while echoing public support for Palestine. This study illuminates how Egyptian cinema became a mirror, reflecting and sometimes challenging, the nation's evolving relationship with the Palestinian cause. Understanding these cinematic representations provides crucial insights into the complexities of Egyptian society's engagement with one of the region's most enduring conflicts.