Arab SF Film and TV in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

This article defines the most prominent features of Arab SF film and television in the twentieth century by examining its narrative, structural, cultural, production conventions, and its relation with fantasy. This includes the usage of folk literature and local mythology and certain SF devices, such as advanced medicine. 

In addition to breaking down the genre's plot devices, the paper looks at its history, transitions from comedic to serious modes of narrative, and its evolution over the course of the twentieth century. Twenty-three SF films and two TV series are discussed in the course of this work.