History and Memory in Filmic Landscapes

Samirah Alkassim

Landscapes transcend mere aesthetic frames in films; they encompass various elements to convey a spectrum of philosophical, spiritual, and physical concepts. In the movie ‘Infiltrators,’ where landscapes are captured in a way that reflects a particular sense of anticipation and suspense. The portrayal of the Palestinian people depicts their resilience amidst challenges and demanding circumstances, prompting them to use a range of strategies to ensure their survival. From performing religious rituals to daily routines and meals, they navigate these careful measures to stay alive. Through this impactful lens, the photographer captures their ongoing journey to overcome the effects of a painful past and the new challenges they encounter in their daily lives. This portrayal underscores their determination and the renewed human spirit in the face of adversity. In this manner, the presentation manages to highlight the impact of cinematic art in conveying profound messages, using landscapes creatively to embody human experiences and strengths in confronting trials and tribulations.

Elucidating the Desert as Cinematic Field

Hammadi Gueroum

A natural landscape carries a myriad of meanings within it. The film "The Dupes" (1972) portrays this by directing the passage of its three main characters (young Palestinians) from the desert to water on their way to Kuwait, portraying their self-rescue. The vast desert holds various meanings and concepts within the film – its haunting darkness, rugged terrains, the interplay of light, and the gloominess of sandstorms evoke different emotions within the viewer, depicting a painting of a spiritual reverie in some scenes and a maze in others. Dr. Hammadi Gueroum spoke about " Elucidating the Desert as Cinematic Field," where he posed a thought-provoking query, inviting participants to delve into their own cinematic critique: "What truly defines cinematic criticism? Is it a reflection of ethical and behavioral insights? Or does it delve into the realm of analytical exploration?"

From Perceived Cinematic Space to the Space of Hallucination and Fantasies

Dr. Ahmed Gasmi

‘How can we make a flat-screen television encompass the vast universe with its multiple dimensions?’ Dr. Ahmed Algasmi used this question as the foundation for his talk, delving into how elements possess various meanings and how they can impact human emotions, the context, and the environment of a film. Scenes featuring icebergs, for example, may symbolize the periods of stagnation humans experience at certain stages of life. In contrast, scenes featuring a snow-covered landscape could depict a promising beginning. The presence of natural landscape elements in films, including hills, rivers, and mountains, goes beyond mere aesthetics. These elements hold power to deeply impact the interpretation and scrutiny of a film while also assuming a crucial role in molding the trajectory of the narrative, either propelling or hindering its cinematic intent. The presentation delved into a subject that bridges art, philosophy, and psychology, shedding light utilizing of natural landscape elements to convey profound meanings and human contemplations pertaining to life and the human experience.

Panel Discussion

This panel discussion raised a question that revolves around the usage of landscape in film, the distinction between its inherent presence in nature and its cinematic use to convey certain thoughts, situations and emotions. ‘In what way does the natural landscape wield its influence on a film that seamlessly weaves cinematic narratives drawn from literary sources, such as novels?’ Dr. Hammadi Gueroum inspired an enchanting cinematic marvel in this discussion —a creation intertwined with the literary essence of Naguib Mahfouz's Adrift on the Nile. When making such films, directors must rely on their imagination to develop scenes that evoke similar emotions. "Film is not life,” he said, “but a suggestion of another yet to come." Prompting another question: "How can a director make use of the environment in a specific way to evoke certain ideas and emotions in the audience?" Dr. Ahmed Algasmi gracefully shared his perspective; many films, even when shot in old or less aesthetically pleasing locations, can profoundly impact the audience, revealing the enchantment that cinema weaves. This mesmerizing narrative draws its essence from the filmmaker's vision, the chosen camera angles, and how a scene intricately weaves into the film's storyline. When individuals articulate their preferences or critiques in particular films, one must consider the criteria they base these judgments on, as this enhances the way we understand the landscape in cinema.