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Image Credit: University of Exeter
Exhibition Traces Egypt Lasting Impact on the History of Cinema
A new exhibition opening this month examines how ancient Egypt has shaped the visual language, themes, and architecture of cinema for nearly two centuries. Titled Land of the Pharaohs – Egypt on Screen, the exhibition highlights the enduring influence of Egyptian landscapes, mythology, and archaeology on film culture worldwide.
Hosted at the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum on the University of Exeter’s Streatham campus, the exhibition draws on the museum’s extensive archives, presenting materials that span from the early 19th century to the present day. Among the highlights are 19th-century lithographs depicting iconic Egyptian scenes, produced before the rise of photography and instrumental in forming Western visual perceptions of Egypt.
The exhibition also explores how Egyptian motifs influenced cinema architecture, particularly during the early 20th century. Decorative programmes and design materials illustrate how discoveries such as the tomb of Tutankhamun inspired cinema buildings that blended Art Deco styles with Egyptian themes, especially in Britain and the United States.
Visitors are guided through a chronological journey, beginning with pre-cinematic visual culture, including illustrated books and lantern slide projections that recreated Egyptian scenes for 19th-century audiences. The exhibition then moves into the golden age of cinema, featuring artwork, film stills, and promotional materials from major productions inspired by ancient Egypt, alongside rare items produced for royal and special screenings.
More recent films influenced by Egyptian history and symbolism are also represented, demonstrating how the country continues to inspire fantasy, adventure, and science fiction. At the same time, the exhibition addresses questions of representation, highlighting the limited inclusion of Egyptian actors in international cinema despite the country’s significant domestic film industry.
Running from 30 January until May, the exhibition offers both an on-site and digital experience, with a selection of objects made available online. Together, the displays reveal how Egypt’s ancient civilizations have remained a powerful source of inspiration in the evolution of moving images, from early projection techniques to modern global cinema.
Published on: 28-01-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: University of Exeter