Arab Filmmakers Focus on Young Audiences, Lament ‘Unfair Fight’ With U.S. Films, Having to Westernize Stories to Reach Hyper-Connected Teens
variety.comRafa Sales Ross Guest Contributor When attempting to break into a nascent film industry, many filmmakers place their bets in tried and tested formats.
Family dramas, romantic comedies, action thrillers. But, in the Arab region, where countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are still taking their first steps into building a robust film industry, filmmakers are tapping into highly connected, media-driven young audiences with their films.
Ahead of the 11th edition of the Sharjah Intl. Film Festival for Children and Youth, taking place between Oct. 6 and 12 in the UAE, three filmmakers spoke with Variety about the importance of specialized festivals in the region and the challenges that still lie ahead when it comes to making films for children and young audiences in an Arab world that is becoming increasingly Westernized. “Yes, there is a gap in the market for youth-focused films in the region,” said Mariam Al Awadhi, whose latest film “Umm Salama the Matchmaker” will have its world premiere in Sharjah. “Young people crave authentic narratives that reflect their own experiences.
While there are some productions aimed at this demographic, they often lack authenticity in storytelling and representation.
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