Why is audience trust crucial for the future of Iraqi cinema?

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Audience Trust is Paramount for the Sustainability and Revival of Iraqi Cinema

Gaining the trust of Iraqi audiences is considered essential by filmmakers for achieving financial sustainability and fostering a renewed culture of cinema attendance. This trust is directly linked to generating sufficient revenue to support ongoing work and future productions, thereby enabling the industry's long-term viability and growth.
Re-establishing a Film-Watching Culture

The closure of historic cinemas has significantly impacted the cultural landscape, leading to a decline in the traditional practice of watching films in theatres. This erosion of a shared cinematic experience, as noted by Syrian filmmaker Abdulhadi al-Rakeb, has diminished the very concept of filmmaking in the public consciousness. Rebuilding this culture necessitates re-engaging audiences and making cinema a relevant and accessible form of entertainment once more.
Overcoming Competition from Foreign Films

Contemporary Iraqi moviegoers predominantly patronise modern, multi-screen cinemas located within shopping malls. These venues primarily showcase Hollywood and Egyptian productions, which currently dominate the screen time. For Iraqi cinema to thrive, local films must not only compete for attention but also capture the interest and loyalty of audiences who have become accustomed to these established foreign offerings.
Financial Viability Through Revenue Generation

Filmmakers emphasize that audience trust is the key to generating the necessary revenues for the industry's sustainability. Without this trust, local productions struggle to attract sufficient viewership, making it difficult to recoup investment and fund future projects. The success of films like "The President's Cake," which gained international recognition and is now screening in Iraq, offers a potential pathway for rebuilding this trust and demonstrating the viability of Iraqi storytelling.

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Why is audience trust crucial for the future of Iraqi cinema?

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