A Short History of the Tunisian Film Industry
Episode 180
A Short History of the Tunisian Film Industry
One of the earliest decisions of the new Tunisian government after Independence was to create the Secretary of State for Cultural Affairs and Information and with it, allot a budget for cinema. The meaning of “cinema” as both art and industry has morphed and been subject for debate continuously since then, especially as it constituted a mode for defining a national identity and for Tunisia to integrate into the complex networks of the international film scene.
Professor Mounir Khélifa, the AIMS History of Tunisian Film Fellow, discusses his research, delving into these contours and dynamics and outlining the foundations of a structure that in many ways still impacts the industry today. His findings are presented in detail in the “History of Tunisian Cinema” report.
This episode was recorded on the 23rd of June, 2023 by the Centre d'Études Maghrébines à Tunis (CEMAT).
Other podcasts by Mounir Khalifa:
Episode 149: Roman Dougga (Thougga): Heritage Preservation in an Antique City.
Posted by Hayet Lansari, Librarian, Outreach Coordinator, Content Curator (CEMA).
Suggested Bibliography
Ben Chaabane, Tarek. (2019). Le Cinéma tunisien d’hier et d’aujourd’hui. Tunis : Publications du CNCI.
Brahimi, Denise. (1997 ). Cinémas d’Afrique francophone et du Maghreb. Paris : Nathan.
Chamkhi, Sonia. (2002 ). Cinéma tunisien nouveau : parcours autres. Tunis : Sud Éditions.
Khélil, Hédi, (2016 ). ed. 50 ans de cinéma tunisien. Tunis : Publications du CNCI.
Lang, Robert. (2014 ). New Tunisian Cinema: Allegories of Resistance. New York: Columbia University Press.
Plans tunisiens de développement (1962-1972). Tunis : Ministère du Plan.
Shafik, Viola. (1998 ). Arab Cinema: History and Cultural Identity. Cairo: American University.
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