From Counter-Narratives to Cultural Productions: A practice-led model to challenge extremists’ worldview in the cultural sphere

The aim of this research is to challenge Islamic extremists’ worldview and address cognitive extremism in the cultural sphere. Counter-narratives were once believed to be capable of thwarting extremists’ narratives yet have been proven inefficient and even counterproductive. A growing body of evidence supports the positive effect of dramatisation of identity-related content on violent extremism. However, defining this content is neglected in literature. This research sets to identify the themes needed for this content and the language best suited to articulate it. With Egypt as its case study, the textual review of cultural practices targeted skinin- the-game scholars producing video content to challenge extremism. Three themes common in their discourse were identified: historical narratives, women’s status and minorities’ rights. Following a practice-led methodology, representation of these themes was studied via a series of video-essays in films. The findings of this practice are presented in a framework for a thematic approach to cultural productions as counter-narratives. The framework was discussed with media practitioners; a model was then developed to support future practitioners in their decision-making process and consequently to define their product as counter or alternative narrative in the content development phase. Practitioners using this model will be able to define their product and select their outputs depending on their interest. The product is a counternarrative if it addresses the transnational aspect of the Islamists’ narrative and it is an alternative narrative if it focuses on promoting local identity anchored in the singularity of the national culture. The implications of this study can go beyond the media practice of counter-narratives to reach policy makers responsible for developing cultural policies and film funding bodies who finance international co-productions.