Férid Boughedir’s essential documentary ‘Caméra Arabe’ charts the emergence of the New North African & Middle East Cinema over two pivotal decades. Following the successful formula of his earlier first-part work, Caméra d’Afrique, Boughedir delivers a fast-moving, enlightening hour of clips and rare testimonies, making a heartfelt declaration of unwavering support for politically engaged North African & Middle East cinema that dared to challenge the commercial dominance of mainstream production. The film analyses this new wave, born from the 1960s independence movements, in North Africa and the Middle East through the complex lenses of politics, society, and culture. It reveals the direct, often secret, link between these critical, independently produced auteur works and major regional events: the Six-Day War, Sadat’s visit to Jerusalem, and the War in Lebanon. These historical ruptures led a generation of filmmakers to ask fundamental questions: “What is a  North-african man or woman with an Arab culture today? What can he express through cinema?”. 

Restored and remastered in 4K by CNC, archives du film de Bois d’arcy. Premièred at the 39th edition of « Il Cinema Ritrovato » Bologna, June 2025

This film screening will be followed by the Panel: The New Wave of Arab Cinema: A Story of Passion

موجة السينما العربية الجديدة: حكاية شغف

with: Mohamed Hefzy, Georges Schoucair and Eliane Raheb

moderated by Antoine Khalifé