Arabia: IMAX

Arabia: IMAX is an exquisite documentary that travels far and wide into the enchanting land of Arabia, aired in 2010. Directed by Greg MacGillivray, this 45-minute documentary was designed to be showcased on IMAX screens, making it aesthetically stunning and an immersive experience that transcends basic television viewing. The film features Reem AlHabib and Hamzah Jamjoom, whose vibrant narratives promise to carry the audience on an engrossing ride through the annals of Arabian history and culture.

The narration by the resplendent Reem AlHabib, one of Saudi Arabia's first female tour guides, and the enthusiastic Hamzah Jamjoom, an aspiring Saudi filmmaker then studying in Chicago, make a compelling combination. Together, they guide viewers through an enlightening exploration of life in the Arabian Peninsula of Saudi Arabia—transporting audiences from the confines of their living rooms to the captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures of an often-misunderstood region.

The film does not strictly adhere to a plot-oriented structure, and instead weaves around factual content draped in the richness of Arabian culture and traditions. It blends state-of-the-art computer-generated recreations and triumphant aerial shots of the Arabian Peninsula's timeless landscapes—empty yet stunning deserts, indigo sea coasts, lush oases, and grand cities.

You'll be introduced to the origins of Arabian civilization dating back 5000 years - the advent of writing, the formation of kingdoms, and the build-up to the glistening hub of interaction and exchange it is today. The insightful journey undertaken by the film documents significant milestones from the invention of algebra to the discovery of oil, all the while maintaining its focus on the region's inherently resilient, hospitable, and passionate people.

Amid this comprehensive overview, viewers also embark on a pilgrimage, mimicking the journey millions of Muslims undertake each year to the holy city of Mecca. This IMAX documentary skillfully captures the blend of ancient traditions and modern day advancements that coexist in Saudi Arabia, one of the most intriguing juxtapositions the country possesses.

Arabia: IMAX successfully whisks audiences into the heart of the Arabian Peninsula's many facets. The film looks at the country’s young population—60% of whom are under the age of 20—and their increasing global influence. The film takes a deep dive into their perspectives and aspirations, providing an intriguing outlook that challenges the commonly held stereotypes about this region.

Education is another theme explored in the film, focusing on the symbiotic relationship between the West and Middle East. For instance, it showcases Saudi students studying in American universities, hinting at the exchange of ideas and the shared aspiration for progress.

While the film is an educational journey through time, it doesn't shy away from embracing entertainment. It captures the thrill of camel racing and the subtlety of dive hunting for pearls—traditional activities that still run deep in the fiber of contemporary Arabian society. The film doesn't avoid the rapid economic and infrastructural development either. It offers bird's eye views of grandeur architecture like the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh and the Jamarat Bridge in Mina, artifacts of recent rapid growth and advancement.

Respectfully donning an anthropologist's hat, Arabia: IMAX weaves an intimate cloth of Arabian life without propagating cliches or reinforcing stereotypes. It respectfully and thoroughly takes viewers through the Arabian spectacle, exploring traditions and societal norms without an outsider's judgement—rather showing appreciation for its uniqueness and value.

The grandeur of IMAX cinematography combined with the film's epic narrative provides an immersive experience that resonates with viewers—natives and foreigners alike—and stirs a deep-seeded appreciation for Arabia's vast history, vibrant culture, and promising future. The film achieves its primary goal: educating audiences about a region often depicted one-dimensionally.

Arabia: IMAX is more than a film. It's a cultural immersion and a phenomenal journey into the depths of Arabia's past, the vibrancy of its present, and the promise of its future. It is a must-watch for those who seek to understand the Arab world and its treasures beyond headlines and stereotypical portrayals.