Career
Lecturer and researcher in ethnographic documentary and secularism
(Despite the familiarity of the discussions about seculari...)
Despite the familiarity of the discussions about secularism in the Middle East, it has yet to be considered for depiction in documentary films. Nevertheless, the treatment of secularism in a documentary film is challenging, not only because it is classified as a genre for the elite of the audience but also because of the problematic nature of the term in the Middle East due to connecting it to atheism, colonialism and westernisation. This research examines the definition of secularism from the perspective of documentary filmmakers and media professionals in the Middle East. It investigates the approaches used to treat secularism as a controversial issue in the region. And it examinesthe limitations facing filmmakers. Finally, itshows the strategies used by filmmakers in response to the political implications in their countries and the region in general to overcome the difficulties they face in making, screening, or distributing their works. This research is considered an addition and a foundation stone in the film studies literature as the research on secularism and the treatment of secular values in documentary films in the Middle East is an unprecedented topic. The analysis uses video-recorded face-to-face interviews as a qualitative methodology to add further depth and a severe atmosphere to gather and generate rich data for the research. The research is combined with a documentary film of the interviews conducted for this study. The film shows the methodology used and visually documents the filmmaker’s different views and discussions about ideology, religion, sectarianism, authorities, industry limitations and censorship in the region.
https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Secularism_in_Middle_Eastern_Documentari.html?id=kAcv0AEACAAJ&redir_esc=y
2022
(How is secularism depicted in films? The term "Aa'La'Ma'...)
How is secularism depicted in films? The term "Aa'La'Ma'Ni," which translates to "worldly" in Arabic, holds significant meaning in the Middle East. Secularism remains a controversial topic in the region, where many associate it with atheism and anti-religious sentiments. SECULAR | Aa'La'Ma'Ni is a documentary grounded in academic research that explores the representation of secularism in Middle Eastern cinema and television. In this documentary, filmmakers and producers from the region candidly discuss issues such as religion, sectarianism, minority rights, and challenges within the industry.
https://secularfilm.weebly.com
2024
Lecturer and researcher in ethnographic documentary and secularism
(Despite the familiarity of the discussions about seculari...)
2022(How is secularism depicted in films? The term "Aa'La'Ma'...)
2024