Film The Square. Ideas of A Physical and Symbolic Public Sphere

Film: The Square
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Film: The Square
The Square (Directed by Jehane Noujaim) is a 2013 documentary film about the Egyptian revolution in 2011 that occurred at Tahrir Square. The film tracks the lives of several Egyptian activists who were involved in the protests, and it documents their sacrifice, courage, and idealism that made the protests very inspiring. It also shows the shocks and horrors of crackdowns that the populations underwent under the Islamist and military governments (Noujaim, 2013). This paper will focus on how the film presents the ideas of the symbolic and physical public sphere and its importance in helping protestors express their wish for a democratic society.
Ideas of A Physical and Symbolic Public Sphere
The ideas of a physical and symbolic public sphere are based on Tahrir Square, which is presented as a place of gathering and power. When an empty space is used for revolutions, it becomes a metaphorical space for new historical action and discourse (Barthélemy, 2013). When Tahrir is free from any individual, it becomes a space that can be reconquered. Based on the film, the square’s openness to reorganization and conversation of communal living supported by art and music make it utopian (Nassar, 2011). The film suggests that the location has evolved into a place where new modes of government can be created. While heads of state and institutions are powerful and protected since they are hidden behind monuments, the square is an empty space that also acts as a public sphere (Barthélemy, 2013). This is where people make demands for changes and where the power of the population can be felt.
Tahrir Square provides physical visibility and presence. It ensures that the Egyptians can reassert their existence. For instance, the film reveals how government troops cleared the square, which was regarded as a tragic setback that arose from betrayal by the Muslim Brotherhood. Once the Brotherhood had attained its goals, it left the protesters on the square to be arrested, beaten up, or even killed by soldiers (Noujaim, 2013). In the documentary, the deserted square after violent evictions reveals what people can achieve when they work together. When empty, the square is barren and odd. It acts as a reminder of the protestors and their activities. In the entire documentary, the square is encircled by government forces, occupied by crowds, reconquered, dwindling, and finally, fragmented (Nassar, 2011). Whenever the politicians are involved in unpopular activities such as corruption and abuse of power, thousands assemble at the square, creating a new society by merely cohabiting, debating, and gathering at the square.
Tahrir Square has both symbolic and political importance, and this is a significant reason why major revolutions occur there. It has been the meeting point for various activists with different demands and goals (Nassar, 2011). It acts as the best location to express the protester’s disillusionments and hopes during different phases of protests. In the documentary, it is clear that the marches and sit-ins were integral in ousting Hosni Mubarak (Noujaim, 2013). One of the protagonists, Ahmed Hassan, is involve...