Brushstrokes of Arab Cinema: A Century Unveiled - Kalid Hosni

Next date: Wednesday, 16 April 2025 | 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Brushstrokes of Arab Cinema: A Century Unveiled is an exhibition showcasing the lost art of painted Arab film posters, offering a rare glimpse into the visual and cultural legacy of Arab cinema across the 20th century.

Exhibition launch, Thursday 3 April. Reserve your spot!

For much of history, these posters were more than mere marketing tools—they were cultural artefacts that captured the essence of Arab cinema and the societal shifts that shaped it. Yet, many of these posters, like the films they represented, have been lost through war, censorship, and neglect. The remaining survivors have been painstakingly, digitally restored to preserve a forgotten cinematic golden age.

More than visual masterpieces, these posters reflect the ingenuity and resilience of Arab artists, actors, and filmmakers. Brushstrokes of Arab Cinema: A Century Unveiled is not just an exhibition of beautiful posters—it is a tribute to a lost art form, a testament to the power of cinema in shaping cultural identity, and a rediscovery of a vibrant visual heritage that continues to inspire contemporary Arab filmmakers.

Visitors will journey through six decades of Arab cinema, witnessing the transformation of poster artistry—from the hand-painted lithographs of the 1930s to the striking collages of the 1990s. They will encounter some of the biggest names in Arab film history, including Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Umm Kulthum, Farid al-Atrash, Abdel Halim Hafez, Fairuz, and Sabah. 

This exhibition is curated by Kalid Hosni—a designer, cinephile, and film poster collector. Born into a family that emigrated from Lebanon to Australia during the 1975 Lebanese Civil War, Kalid grew up in Melbourne—immersed in the vibrant stories, music, and culture of Arab cinema. Over 15 years, he has meticulously collected painted posters from Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria, spanning the 1930s to the 1990s, with 40 carefully selected for this exhibition.

When

Location

Town Hall Broadmeadows, 10 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows, 3047, View Map