Values and Art in Arab Cinema: Youssef Shaheen as a Model

Abstract

This article examines the role of cinema in expressing and shaping the values and cultural identity of Arab societies, with a focus on the works of Youssef Shaheen. Shaheen’s films, as a reflection of his time, explore the struggles and aspirations of the Arab world in the post-colonial period, particularly through the lens of the Palestinian cause, Arab nationalism, and the socio-political transitions occurring in Egypt and the broader Arab world. By integrating historical events, cultural conflicts, and personal narratives, Shaheen’s cinema becomes a vehicle for resistance and an exploration of Arab identity. His works, such as Alexandria... Why? and Jamila, reveal the complex intersection of art, politics, and social change. Through these cinematic expressions, Shaheen offers a profound commentary on the modern history of the Arab world, advocating for cultural preservation, resistance to external domination, and the pursuit of human dignity.