Description
Gertrude Bell mapped the Arabian desert, advised kings and helped shape the borders of modern Iraq, yet her name remains far less known than her influence deserves.
Voiced and executive produced by Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton and directed by Zeva Oelbaum and Sabine Krayenbühl, this acclaimed documentary uses archival footage, letters and photographs to explore Bell’s extraordinary life as a British archaeologist, writer and political operator whose impact on the post-war Middle East was profound.
At a time when the Middle East is once again at the centre of global attention, her story feels more urgent than ever.
The screening will be followed by a panel conversation with Professor Mark Jackson, Valentina Flex from the UNESCO-inscribed Gertrude Bell Archive at Newcastle University, and Bob Richmond, who has a personal family connection to Bell. Together, they will explore Bell’s life, legacy and lasting geopolitical significance, from her role in the formation of modern Iraq to the ways her letters, photographs and writings continue to shape our understanding of the region today. The discussion will also highlight the ongoing work to preserve and promote the Gertrude Bell Archive, opening up this remarkable collection to new audiences and reconsidering Bell’s story in light of contemporary debates around empire, borders and the Middle East.
Runtime: 95 minutes.
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