Theme – Djinn in Islamic horror films

‘Dieu! La voix sépulcrale des Djinns! Quel bruit ils font!’
‘My God! The mortuary voice of the Djinns! What noise they make!’
– Victor Hugo, Les Djinns, 1829)

In this programme of film screenings, lectures, interviews, music and performances, we explore the different manifestations of the figure of the Djinn in the cinema and arts of several Islamic societies. 

Djinns are supernatural creatures in early pre-Islamic Arabian and later Islamic mythology and theology. They live on earth but (usually) can’t be seen by humans. They have their own societies that are structured like tribes, which can be Muslim, Jewish, Christian or non-religious. Djinns are not inherently good or evil. 

Beliefs regarding the Djinn are deeply integrated into Muslim culture and religion, and have a constant presence in legends, myths, poetry, literature and… cinema. Belief remains widespread even amongst nominal believers, with associated traditions passed on to new generations like sharing Djinn stories during sleepovers and family get-togethers, and rituals such as the wearing of amulets and the use of prayers. 

In this programme, we will explore the different manifestations of the Djinn in the cinema and arts of several Islamic societies. Starting from the immensely popular genre of Turkish Djinn horror films, we explore the representation of the Djinn in films from Turkey, Saudi-Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Next to these film screenings, the programme consists of a talkshow with Turkish Djinn horror specialist Dr Cüneyt Çakırlar and Turkish filmmakers Can Evrenol and Utku Uçar, as well as Djinn storytelling by Mezrab.

Titles and specials in the programme

• Dabbe: The Possession – Hasan Karacadağ – Turkey 2013
• Hwjn – Yasir Alyasiri – Saudi-Arabia, 2023
• Hüddam 4: Ahmer – Utku Uçar – Turkey 2024
• Three – Nayla Al Khaja – United Arab Emirates 2024
• The Death Throes – Sidharta Tata – Indonesia 2024
• Djinn storytelling by Mezrab
• Talkshow: Djinn and Turkish horror cinema (with keynote, music, short film and discussion)