This unique resource illuminates the vital cinema of the Middle East and North Africa, offering a valuable reference to a wide range of filmmakers and films that are frequently neglected in the West.

Illustrated with 61 black and white photographs, the Companion is divided into regional chapters covering countries throughout North Africa and the Middle East: Egypt, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, The Maghreb, Palestine, and Turkey. Each chapter covers the history and major issues in film within that area, with details on leading directors and actors, and filmographies.
Each chapter concludes with suggestions for further reading, and the volume includes comprehensive name, film and general indexes.