Cinema of Yemen

Cinema of Yemen
The cinema of Yemen is relatively obscure, but it has seen glimpses of influence and representation throughout the years. Since the 1920s, when expeditions from Europe arrived in Yemen, the country has been featured in various documentaries and travelogues. These early films introduced audiences to the landscapes, architecture, and culture of Yemen, providing a window into a world they might not have otherwise experienced.
Notable filmmakers like Hans Helfritz, Walter Dostal, Gordian Troeller, Marie-Claude Deffarge, Volker Panzer, and Khadijah al-Salami have contributed to showcasing Yemen's heritage and capturing its essence through their works. Even internationally acclaimed directors like Pier Paolo Pasolini incorporated Yemen's landscapes into their films, adding a touch of exoticism and intrigue to their narratives.
Despite the occasional presence of Yemen in foreign productions, it wasn't until 2005 that Yemeni cinema gained significant recognition on the global stage. Bader Ben Hirsi, a British filmmaker of Yemeni ancestry, made history with his film "A New Day in Old Sana'a". This romantic drama, seen through the eyes of an Italian photographer, explored love and choices against the backdrop of Sana'a's ancient charm. The film received accolades at the Cairo International Film Festival and was showcased at Cannes, shining a light on Yemeni filmmaking.
However, it's essential to note that the development of Yemeni cinema has been hindered by years of political instability, corruption, and lack of resources. The country's struggles with poverty and limited education opportunities have further restricted the growth of artistic expression, including film production.
In August 2008, Yemen’s Interior Minister Mutaher al-Masri supported the launch of a new feature film to educate the public about the consequences of Islamist extremism. The Losing Bet was produced by Fadl al-Olfi. The plot follows two Yemeni jihadis, who return from years living abroad. They are sent home by an Al Qaeda mastermind to recruit new members and carry out deadly operations in Yemen.
List of Yemeni films
"The Burdened" (2023)
10 Days Before the Wedding (2018)
Yemen: The Silent War (2018)
The Mulberry House (Yemen/Syria/Egypt/UK/UAE; 2013)
Karama Has No Walls (Yemen/UAE; 2012)
The Losing Bet (2008)
A New Day in Old Sana'a (2005)
Films shot in Yemen
The Mulberry House (Yemen/Syria/Egypt/UK/UAE; 2013)
Karama Has No Walls (Yemen/UAE; 2012)
The English Sheik and the Yemeni Gentleman (American; 2000)
Il fiore delle mille e una notte (Italian; 1974)
Le Mura di Sana (Italian short; 1964)
Le Schiave Esistono Ancora (Italian; 1964)
List of Yemeni directors
Bader Ben Hirsi
Osama Khaled
Sara Ishaq
Khadija al-Salami
Sufian Abulohom
Yousef Assabahi
Amr Gamal
See also
List of Yemeni films of 2023
Arab cinema
Cinema of the Middle East
Cinema of the world
References
External links
Interview with Bader Ben Hirsi
Article about Yemen's cinemas
Article about the 'Rules of Engagement' controversy
Gulf News article about 'A New Day in Old Sana'a'
Interview with Yemeni actress Najla Atef
Article about 'A New Day in Old Sana'a'
Interview with Bader Ben Hirsi
Review of 'A New Day in Old Sana'a'
IMDB entry for Yemen
'Yemen Through Films' on Yemen Times
Yemeni culture