As part of the Cultural Program accompanying the "Jeddah International Book Fair 2024," the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission hosted a workshop this evening titled "Write Film Criticism," led by Egyptian film critic and programmer Ahmed Shawky. The session explored the fundamentals of film criticism and filmmaking, drawing a large crowd of cinema enthusiasts and art critics.

Themes of the workshop

  1. Fundamentals of film writing:
    • An overview of the different schools of film criticism and their varied purposes.
    • A survey of critical writing styles and their role in enriching the cinematic experience.
  2. Applied analysis:
    • Presenting a sample critical essay and breaking down its content.
    • Highlighting different critics' approaches and perspectives.
    • The importance of reading films through diverse social and cultural lenses to build a well-rounded critical eye.
  3. Filmmaking craft:
    • Explaining the role of key elements in a film's success:
      • the screenplay;
      • editing; and
      • sound and image.
    • Emphasizing the importance of balancing these elements to deliver a successful cinematic experience.
  4. The critic's role:
    • Building a cultural bridge between the film and its audience.
    • Offering an objective, impartial critical reading.
    • Affirming that film criticism is an art form that demands both creativity and precision.

Film criticism as an evolving art

Ahmed Shawky told attendees that film criticism is not merely a technical breakdown of a movie but an independent art form in its own right that requires multiple skills, including:

  • impartiality and precision in analysis;
  • the ability to craft a fresh perspective that deepens understanding of cinematic art; and
  • highlighting a film's cultural and social dimensions, enriching the audience's awareness and viewing experience.