Cinema and TV Series: how the Middle East exports its culture internationally
The rise of arab productions on streaming platforms and international festivals
The rise of streaming platforms has allowed for an unprecedented distribution of Arab productions. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid VIP, as well as more specialized platforms like MUBI and Arte, are investing heavily in content from the Middle East. These platforms provide global visibility to Arab productions, enabling creators to reach a broader audience without relying on traditional distribution channels.
International film festivals also play a vital role in the recognition of Arab cinema. The Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival, and the Cairo International Film Festival have become launching pads for Middle Eastern filmmakers. For example, Capernaum by Nadine Labaki won awards at Cannes and was nominated for an Oscar, while Yomeddine by Abu Bakr Shawky was selected for the official competition at Cannes. In Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea Film Festival is contributing to this dynamic by highlighting local productions.
Among the series that have captured international attention are Al Rawabi School for Girls (Jordan), which tackles bullying from a fresh perspective, and Paranormal, the first Egyptian series on Netflix, blending thriller and supernatural elements. In cinema, The Perfect Candidate by Haifaa al-Mansour marks a turning point by depicting a Saudi woman challenging patriarchal norms.
A strong and assertive cultural identity
Arab films and series often address universal themes while remaining deeply rooted in their cultural context. Issues of women’s rights, youth, traditions, and social conflicts are prevalent. For example, Wadjda (Saudi Arabia) tells the story of a young girl fighting to own a bicycle, a simple yet powerful symbol of female empowerment.
For a long time, the Middle East was portrayed in Hollywood productions through a narrow and often reductive lens. Today, filmmakers from the region are working to deconstruct these clichés by offering more authentic narratives. The Swallows of Kabul, a Franco-Algerian co-production, presents a nuanced vision of Afghanistan under Taliban rule, far from the usual caricatures.
The new faces of arab cinema and TV
The dynamism of Arab cinema is largely driven by emerging talents gaining international recognition. Nadine Labaki (Capernaum), Amr Salama (Paranormal), and Mohamed Diab (Clash, Moon Knight for Marvel) are among the directors making a mark. Their success proves that Arab creators are no longer confined to local circuits but are establishing themselves in major Western productions.
Arab actors are also beginning to gain recognition in Hollywood and major international productions. Notable examples include Dina Shihabi, a Saudi actress who starred in Jack Ryan, and Ahmed Malek, who joined the cast of the Australian film The Furnace. These individual successes contribute to the broader recognition of Arab talent on the global stage.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite this growing momentum, several challenges remain. Funding remains a significant issue, as the budgets for Arab films and series are often much lower than those of Hollywood or European productions. Censorship in some countries also limits filmmakers' creativity, restricting the scope of certain sensitive topics.
However, the increasing interest of international platforms in Arab content is opening new doors. Collaborations between Hollywood and the Middle East, such as Mohamed Diab’s work with Marvel, hint at a deeper integration of Arab creators into the global entertainment industry. The rise of new film schools, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, also promises a beneficial generational renewal.
The international export of Arab cinema and TV series is no longer a marginal phenomenon. Thanks to streaming platforms, festivals, and emerging talents, Middle Eastern culture is gradually establishing itself on the global stage, offering a rich and authentic perspective on a region in transformation. While challenges remain, the opportunities are immense for an industry in full expansion, ready to reach an ever-growing audience.
Sources :
https://fr.le360.ma/medias/plateformes-de-streaming-lavenir-cest-le-monde-arabe-191384/
