Upcoming Book Launch
Brushstrokes of Arab Cinema: A Century Unveiled is a visually rich exploration of the lost art of painted Arab film posters, tracing their cultural and cinematic significance across the 20th century.
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I’m excited to announce my upcoming book, Brushstrokes of Arab Cinema: A Century Unveiled, an extension of the exhibition of the same name that I’m also hosting. This book expands on the themes of the exhibition, offering a deeper exploration of the lost art of hand-painted Arab film posters and the cinematic history they represent. Years of research and collecting have gone into preserving this visual tradition, which once defined the golden era of Arab cinema.
For much of the 20th century, painted film posters were more than just advertisements—they were works of art, reflecting the cultural, political, and artistic shifts across the Arab world. This book brings together a curated selection of these posters, spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s, with insights into their creation, the artists behind them, and the cinematic icons they celebrated.
With over 40 restored posters from Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria, the book showcases the evolution of design and storytelling in Arab cinema. Readers will encounter legendary actors and musicians, from Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Umm Kulthum, Farid al-Atrash, Abdel Halim Hafez, Omar Sharif, Fairuz, and Sabah, whose faces graced these beautifully crafted posters. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these posters serve as a historical record, offering a glimpse into a once-thriving industry that shaped generations of audiences.
Brushstrokes of Arab Cinema is more than a celebration of film posters—it’s a tribute to Arab creativity, a preservation of a fading art form, and an invitation to rediscover a forgotten cinematic legacy.
Stay tuned for release details and where to find a copy!
