Hiring cultural consultants in film production is more important than ever. These experts help ensure that different cultures and identities are represented accurately, respectfully, and authentically. By involving cultural consultants early in the process—be it in script development, casting, or production design—filmmakers can avoid common pitfalls such as stereotypes, cultural inaccuracies, and portrayals that could offend or alienate audiences.
Misrepresentations not only perpetuate harmful biases but also deepen misunderstandings about the communities depicted. Cultural consultants enrich storytelling by offering nuanced perspectives and helping films resonate with diverse viewers. Moreover, their involvement prevents costly backlash and damage to a production’s reputation by identifying sensitive issues before they reach the screen.
Recent controversies in Netflix films featuring Arab characters highlight why cultural consultancy is essential. Over the past five years, several productions have drawn criticism, illustrating how important it is to approach cultural representation with care:
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Mary (2024) – This film about the Virgin Mary caused upset for casting mainly Israeli actors, while not including Palestinian representation. Many criticised the film for “Palestinian erasure” and questioned its historical accuracy regarding Arab Christian heritage. Given the ongoing political tensions in the region, this casting decision was viewed as insensitive, underscoring the need for filmmakers to be acutely aware of cultural and political contexts.
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Perfect Strangers اصحاب ولا اعز(2022) – An Arabic-language Netflix film that sparked controversy in the Arab world for tackling themes such as homosexuality and extramarital relationships. Many viewers felt these topics clashed with prevailing conservative social norms, leading to strong backlash. This case shows how cultural consultants can help navigate delicate subjects respectfully, fostering dialogues that consider the values and sensibilities of the affected communities.
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King the Land (2023) – Although this is a South Korean drama available on Netflix, it featured an Arab character whose portrayal drew criticism for reinforcing stereotypes. The character appeared as a partygoer wearing traditional Arab clothing while drinking alcohol, which many audiences deemed an offensive cliché. This example emphasises that even productions from outside the Arab world benefit greatly from informed cultural input when including diverse characters.
These examples demonstrate clearly that without cultural consultants, films risk misrepresenting peoples and cultures, alienating audiences, and inviting public criticism. Cultural consultants support filmmakers in crafting stories that are not only more truthful but also more meaningful and respectful, helping to break down simplistic stereotypes and foster inclusion.
Cultural consultants play a vital role in the filmmaking process, especially in portraying complex and often misunderstood cultural identities such as those of Arab communities. The controversies involving Netflix’s Arab characters over recent years serve as a powerful reminder that thoughtful, informed cultural guidance is essential to creating films that honour the richness of real-life experiences and contribute positively to cultural dialogue.
