Pushing the boundaries : the development of film industries in the Gulf countries from 2004 to 2017

Abstract

The main purpose of the thesis is to provide an analytical view of the current trends within the Gulf film industries, focusing specifically on the period between 2004 to 2017. During this period, the Gulf film industries experienced rapid development and underwent great structural changes. The years 2004 to 2017 also gave rise to a number of important events and developments, including film festivals that subsidised and incentivised local film production, generous government cash rebates and investments and technological changes that impacted upon the practice and business of production, distribution and exhibition of films. The thesis asks the following two questions: ‘What are the main trends and characteristics of the development of film industries in the Gulf States in the period of 2004 to 2017?’ and ‘What are the specifics of Gulf cinema and the Khaleeji concept in the development?’

It employs a transnational cinema approach as a framework that is able to locate the political and socio-economic context of Gulf States' film industries in the age of globalisation and digitisation. The study provides an appropriate entry point in film policy, production, distribution and exhibition in the Gulf States to better understand the growth and shifting dynamics of the Gulf film industries between 2004 and 2017. The thesis uses the available data to create new knowledge and understanding about the wider sphere of the film industry in the Gulf region. It draws on statistical and secondary data to cross-examine the implications of the fast-tracking of film development in UAE and Qatar on the wider cinema of the Gulf. This thesis makes a contribution to an emerging literature of the Gulf cinema and film industries, upon which additional analysis can be conducted and developed.