Mundovision Productions & Distribution Inc.

Mundovision Productions & Distribution Inc.
4148A Ste-Catherine West,
Westmount, QC H3Z 0A2
Canada
ph: 514-985-2004
fax: 514-985-2005
info@mundovision.ca

REEL BAD ARABS

Reel Bad Arabs:
How Hollywood Vilifies a People

(52-min)

This groundbreaking documentary dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run virtually unchallenged from the earliest days of silent film to today's biggest Hollywood blockbusters. Featuring acclaimed author Dr. Jack Shaheen, the film explores a long line of degrading images of Arabs--from Bedouin bandits and submissive maidens to sinister sheikhs and gun-wielding "terrorists"--along the way offering devastating insights into the origin of these stereotypic images, their development at key points in US history, and why they matter so much today. Shaheen shows how the persistence of these images over time has served to naturalize prejudicial attitudes toward Arabs and Arab culture, in the process reinforcing a narrow view of individual Arabs and the effects of specific US domestic and international policies on their lives. By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture.

To watch the trailer click here here

Go to official website

Back to FILMS

Filmmaker Info

Director: Sut Jhally
Producer: Jeremy Earp
Post-Production Supervisor: Andrew Killoy
Editors: Sut Jhally, Andrew Killoy, Mary Patierno
Additional Editing: Jeremy Smith
Sound Engineering: Peter Acker, Armadillo Audio
Media Research & Collection: Kenyon King, Bathsheba Ratzkoff
Subtitling: Jason Young
Arabic Translation: Huda Yehia, The Translation Center at the University of Massachusets
Graphic Designer: Shannon McKenna
Additional Motion Graphics: Janet Brockelhurst
Production Assistant: Jason Young
DVD Authoring: Andrew Killoy, Jeremy Smith
Additional Footage Provided by: Mary Patierno Based on the book by Jack Shaheen

Jack Shaheen

Shaheen's lectures and writings illustrate that damaging racial and ethnic stereotypes injure innocent people. Dr. Shaheen, an Oxford Research Scholar, is the recipient of two Fulbright teaching awards. He has appeared on national network programs such as CNN, MSNBC, National Public Radio, Nightline, Good Morning America, 48 Hours, and The Today Show. Shaheen has served as a consultant with film and TV companies: DreamWorks, Warner Bros, Hanna-Barbera, and Showtime.

Film Festivals

Official Selection, 2009 Cinemateket, Norwegian Film Institute
Official Selection, 2009 Chicago Arabesque
Official Selection, 2009 Arab Film Festival, Calgary
Official Selection, 2008 Palestinian Film Festival, Sydney
Official Selection, 2008 Nazariya Films for PEACE Festival
Official Selection, 2008 One World Berlin Film Festival
Official Selection, 2008 Mostra Mundo Arabe de Cinema
Official Selection, 2008 Festival del integracion de Valencia
Official Selection, 2008 Our Island, Our World Film Film Festival
Official Selection, 2008 Adelaide Festival of Arts
Official Selection, 2007 Arabian Sights Film Festival
Official Selection, 2007 Arab Film Festival
Official Selection, 2007 Cinema East Film Festival
Official Selection, 2007 Date Palm Film Festival
Official Selection, 2007 Brisbane International Film Festival
Official Selection, 2007 Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival
Official Selection, 2007 National Conference for Media Reform
Official Selection, 2006 Dubai International Film Festival

52 minutes

The Mundovision World Network Program Distribution Ltd.