Situating ME/NA cinemas in the context of Third Cinema

Question 1

What is Third Cinema

Answer 1

a politicalized film movement that presents an alternative to the western perspective of mainstream cinema.
The aim for Third Cinema is not to re-aestheticise existing cinema codes but to politicise cinema to such an extent that a new cinematic code appropriate to its needs is established

Question 2

What is the intent of third cinema (shohat & stam)

Answer 2

• Third cinema views cinema as a political act
• The aim for Third Cinema is not to re-aestheticise existing cinema codes but to politicise cinema to such an extent that a new cinematic code appropriate to its needs is established
• Film language is Hollywood centric and projected a western image
• Third cinema = a cinema of decolonisation & liberation

Question 3

aims of Third Cinema (shohat & stam)

Answer 3

• Decolonise minds
• Contribute to the development of a radical consciousness
• Lead to a revolutionary transformation of society
• Develop a new film language with which to accomplish these tasks

Question 4

what is the ideology of third cinema

Answer 4

• Reject the propositions and concepts of “traditional” cinema (Hollywood)
• The need to use film to serve an ideological and revolutionary end

The principal characteristic of third cinema is not where it is made/who it is made by but rather the ideology it espouses and consciousness it displays
Third Cinema is the cinema that stands opposed to imperialism and class oppression in all their ramifications and manifestations.