International Journal of Language & Literature

The Supernatural in Contemporary Arab Films
Dr. Mohammed Ahmad Ameen Al-Shamiri

Abstract
In movies, supernatural elements like ghosts, fairies, witches, phantoms, demons, etc. stand for dread and reversal of moral values. The power they wield or represent is ultimately demonic. Supernatural elements symbolize the general evil that prevails in the world. We are either able to overcome this evil and remain good human beings, or we succumb to its temptation and become bad. Evil comes to nothingness if human beings are not tempted by it. Supernaturalism refers not only to beliefs about ‘things’ that lie beyond our consciousness but is also related to the ‘dangerous thoughts’ in the human mind that are unexpressed or inexpressible. Supernatural elements in literature and film thus serve to ease out the unholy or uncommon thoughts that burden people from birth. Fear of the unknown, of uncertainty, and of death also makes supernatural elements perennially relevant. This paper would examine and illustrate the above through examples from selected Arabic films, such as Qariyat Almansiya (The Forgotten Village, the first Saudi Arabian horror movie), The Djinn (the first UAE horror film), and Camp (an Egyptian horror film). Supernatural elements are sometimes introduced in movies because they are a source of enjoyment, suspense, and thrill to audiences. Nevertheless, in many such films, the demonic powers are conquered, and good triumphs over evil.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v5n1a10