Cinema: Made in the Middle East

Like other technologies that would transform life in the 20th century such as the automobile and the airplane, the film camera helped to further a modernist spirit across the Middle East and North Africa, and took inspiration from both Western and Eastern sources. Through periods of uneven development, cinema in this extensive region found its true artisans, and master directors emerged.

This anthology presents a fascinating collection of essays with contributions by and interviews with esteemed international film critics and writers. It appraises films by directors who have roots in the region alongside works by European filmmakers who have portrayed these countries with strong cinematic visions.

Featuring hundreds of striking film stills and unique graphic materials such as storyboards and posters, this book brings alive on the page a diverse and vibrant cinema culture. Films made in this region have maturity and stand alongside some of the finest cinema in the world. This book is a critical tribute to that achievement.