Arab Spring in the Futuristic World of Alephia 2053

HUMANIORA – (16/5/2024) A recent study by Indah Rarasati, a student of the Arabic Language and Literature Program at the Faculty of Humanities, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, offers deep insights into the representation of the Arab Spring in the futuristic film "Alephia 2053." The film depicts a future Arab country that still adheres to a monarchical system of government, with a narrative echoing the real events of the Arab Spring that affected Arab nations a few years ago.

"Alephia 2053" is not just a work of science fiction; it reflects the social and political realities that once occurred. Indah Rarasati uses Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis approach to explore how the film portrays the events of the Arab Spring through various social dimensions. Her research reveals that the film features government coups and actions with democracy slogans as the primary representation of the Arab Spring.

The study divides the social dimensions into three main aspects. First, the Text Dimension, which analyzes the words fought over in the film and how these words shape representations, relationships, and identities. Second, Discursive Practice, which reviews the content data supporting the ideology evident in the words used in the film's narrative. Third, Sociocultural Practice, which depicts relationships, social processes, and culture through binary oppositions between the regime, state officials, and the people. This aspect illustrates three levels of sociocultural practice: situational, institutional, and social.

Findings from this study offer a new perspective on how futuristic fiction media can reflect past social and political turmoil. This in-depth analysis is expected to enrich the understanding of political and social representation in fictional media, while highlighting the relevance of the Arab Spring events in the context of popular culture.

Indah Rarasati's research demonstrates that "Alephia 2053" serves not only as entertainment but also as a medium for conveying critical messages about social and political change. By portraying the social complexities brought about by the Arab Spring, this study underscores the importance of critical discourse analysis in understanding the social and political dynamics presented in media. [al]