Emel

The relevance of arts during difficult times and how art transcends and connects cultures.

It also addresses how women, Arab and women of colour, are positioning themselves in the current scene of art, music, social media, and political activism.

Arab music is gaining a global presence in pop culture, with various highly expected albums coming out at similar times to Emel’s. Will Emel’s musical maturity help her further her career, or must she embrace pop culture and social media? In this documentary, we investigate what it means to be a pop artist with a strong political message and a brown woman artist’s difficulties in maintaining her identity and success.

Emel’s magnetic personality and global focus introduce us to many fascinating individuals, cultures, and ideas worldwide. Through her performances in unconventional settings, she sheds light on diverse community issues. Yet, her overarching message remains steadfast: the resilience of art and music.

Though her music carries potent political undertones, Emel aims to foster healing, collaboration, and celebrating cultural richness.

Her journey serves as an inspiration, particularly for multicultural, female, and queer artists, while offering all audiences a window into the richness of global communities.

Short-term outcomes: Viewers gain insight into Emel’s journey, fostering immediate engagement and appreciation for her music’s cultural and political context.

Medium-term outcomes: Inspired by the documentary, audiences delve deeper into social and political issues highlighted by Emel’s music, leading to increased activism support for related causes and a deeper
understanding of the interconnectedness of global events, collaboration opportunities for Emel, and an invitation to the audiences to delve into other Arab female artists.

Long-term: Emel’s documentary sparks lasting societal change, promoting inclusivity and empathy while amplifying her influence on a global scale, shaping policy, attitudes, and behaviour for years to come.

We have been working for over five months with the Palestinian and Arab communities in Adelaide, documenting as filmmakers and photographers their stories. We have a strong connection with them at individual and community levels.

I have also developed a good relationship with filmmakers in Cairo, the largest film industry in the Middle East.

Emel has a very strong connection with the Arab communities in Paris, New York, Egypt, and other countries.. She also has strong relationships in Turkey.

Emel’s film will encourage audiences to take several meaningful actions. Viewers will be inspired to engage with Emel’s music on a deeper level, attending her concerts, streaming her songs, and supporting her artistic endeavours. Additionally, the documentary will prompt reflection and discussion on important social and political issues raised within the film, motivating viewers to become more active participants in their communities and advocates for positive change. Furthermore, the film may encourage audiences to explore their own cultural heritage and celebrate the diversity of artistic expression. Ultimately, Emel’s documentary aims to spark action, empowering audiences to make a difference in their own lives and in the world around them.