Portrayal of Palestinians in Egyptian Cinema
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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.