This week the films focus on contemporary events in Southwest Asia and Islam. Choose ONE of the following films for your film analysis. Remember, the directions are here if needed:
Inside Mecca–National Geographic is an inside look at the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. This film follows migrants from all over the world on their journey, and goes in depth into customs and rituals surrounding this major event.
examines contemporary life in Saudi Arabia, the future of democracy in the region, and questions about women’s rights.
examines the Sufi tradition of Islam, which is quite different than the other forms of Islam. This film takes you to Syria, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Morocco.
t examines life in these smaller countries in the Arabian peninsula. Really excellent view of contemporary life.
examines life and traditions in Oman.
looks at this amazing landmark in Turkey.
is a fascinating look into the role of the Arabs in the development of technology and their contribution to civilization.
is an in-depth look into Morocco through music, dance, culture, and festivals. An interesting look at traditions and modernity.
, Morocco is in an-depth look at wedding ceremonies amongst the Berber people in Morocco.
is an exciting journey across ancient sites in Morocco.
follows Simon Reeve as he explores Turkey as he looks at tourism, sufism, and changing politics.
is the second part of Simon Reeve’s journey into Turkey, looking at ancient cities and rural areas.
looks at Islamic architecture and art objects throughout India and the Middle East, including amazing mosques at Damascus.
The White Helmets (*on Netflix) looks at the incredible heroes of Syria, a group of volunteer rescue workers that rescue people after bombings and conflict. Inside look into the conflict in Syria and how local, everyday people are taking on life in a war zone. *Intense film and graphic at times.
The Square (*on Netflix) is an excellent documentary about the uprising in Egypt as part of the Arab Spring. Amazing on the ground footage.
Documentary film analysis
Documentary films are an excellent resource for learning about the world. Each week, there are a number of films for you to explore, from social issues to contemporary debates, from historical curiosities to natural wonders. You pick the film you want to watch, and then follow this outline for your film analysis.
Your analysis should be 5 paragraphs long. You will NOT be writing a summary of the film, but instead a reflection and analysis. The first paragraph should be a general reflection on what you thought of the film, followed by an analysis of key terms in the book that relate to the film. Here is what is expected in each paragraph of your original posting:
Paragraph 1: General thoughts on the film. In this paragraph, state what film you watched and why. What did you like about the film, what did you not like about the film?
Paragraph 2: Key term 1 from the reading that applies to the film. Look over the chapter in the textbook that corresponds with the film’s regional focus (Latin America, Russian Domain, Oceania, etc) and find 3 terms or themes that relate to the issues presented in the film. How do you see this key term reflected in the film? How does the film relate to the term as presented in the book? For example, in South Asia you may watch a film about the garment industry in Bangladesh and relate the film to discussions in the book on gender, poverty, and population growth. In this paragraph, you will choose one of these terms and explain its relevance to the film. Make sure to use bold text to indicate the key term or theme being discussed.
Paragraph 3: Key term 2 from the reading that applies to the film. In this paragraph, you will choose a 2nd term from your list of terms that relate to the film to examine. State which key term you are discussing in this paragraph, make sure to use bold text, and explain how the term relates to the film.
Paragraph 4: Key term 4 from the reading that applies to the film. In this paragraph, you will choose a 3rd and final term from your list of terms that relate to the film to examine. State which key term you are discussing in this paragraph, make sure to use bold text, and explain how the term relates to the film.