Sharjah: The Sharjah Art Foundation has launched the second installment of its ‘Sunday Cinema Club’ program, titled ‘Lunar Visions: Science Fiction Films in the Space Age,’ at the Photography Gallery in the Climate Zone. This cinematic series, running from July 26 to August 9, delves into humanity’s relationship with space through the lens of science fiction films.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the series features three pivotal films that trace the evolution of science fiction cinema: ‘A Space Odyssey – 1936’ by Vasily Zhuravlev, ‘A Trip to the Moon – 1959’ by Hamada Abdel Wahab, and ‘2001: A Space Odyssey – 1968’ by Stanley Kubrick. These films explore how cinematic techniques and narratives about space have developed over time, from traditional visual effects to contemporary themes of technology and artificial intelligence.

The series begins with a screening of ‘A Space Odyssey,’ accompanied by a discussion featuring planetary scientist Dr. Noura El Said. The conversation will focus on the motivations behind space exploration and humanity’s connection to the universe. Following this, the Egyptian film ‘A Trip to the Moon’ will be screened, with Dr. Mohamed Mamdouh, Assistant Professor of Cinema and New Media at the American University of Sharjah, discussing the film’s significance in Egyptian cinema and its approach to scientific themes.

Concluding the series, Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ will be shown, followed by a discussion led by Dr. Bentley Brown, director and Assistant Professor at the American University of Sharjah. This session will explore the film’s philosophical aspects and its insights into artificial intelligence and humanity’s future.

This film series, part of the ‘Sunday Cinema Club’ program, underscores the Sharjah Art Foundation’s commitment to fostering dialogue on the intersections of cinema, culture, arts, and science.