The Egyptian Radio and Television Union recently hosted a discussion on the role of media and platforms in protecting the state and society from internal threats. The discussion, which was part of the "Bait For Kol" program, featured Lieutenant General Dr. Hisham Helby, a consultant at the Military Academy and Strategic Studies, and film critic Ahmed Saad El-Din. They emphasized that modern wars have expanded to target civilian sectors and collective awareness, aiming to create a state of fragmentation and internal demolition.
Lieutenant General Dr. Hisham Helby noted that conflicts are no longer limited to targeting armies and military institutions but have extended to civilian sectors and collective awareness. He stressed the importance of the role of cinema and narrative in confronting these challenges and the need to move from mere defense to proactive awareness. Dr. Helby also pointed out that the war is constantly changing, and its basic idea has become based on demolition from within, using and targeting components of the civil state.
Dr. Helby distinguished between cognitive war, which targets thinking and elites, and narrative war, which targets emotions. He also explained that psychological war is directed at armies during war, while psychological operations are directed at civilians and military personnel in peace and war, including nine main mechanisms, including rumors, aimed at shaping public opinion. He warned that setting a precedent for public opinion is dangerous, as public opinion, if it moves in the wrong direction, does not return quickly.
Film critic Ahmed Saad El-Din pointed out that the film "Al-Mamar," which was shown in 2019, attracted about 90% of its audience from the youth category, reflecting their interest in knowing the events and understanding their details. He stressed the need for the artistic and media discourse not to remain in the position of the recipient and defender only, emphasizing the importance of initiative and proactive movement.
Saad El-Din added that the 1973 war has become a complex for the other side, and they produced three or four films about one character to question it and the narrative. In contrast, works such as "Rafat Al-Hagan," "Gomaa Al-Shawan," "Al-Sou'od ila Al-Hawaya," and "Al-Tariq ila Ilat" magnified the image of the Egyptian hero. He emphasized the need to create a "role model" and a precedent, which does not come by decision or written paper but through cinematic narrative.
The discussion also touched on the role of filmmakers in shaping public opinion and creating a national narrative. Dr. Helby and Saad El-Din agreed that filmmakers have a responsibility to contribute to the protection of the state and society by producing high-quality content that promotes national values and awareness. They also emphasized the importance of using technology and social media platforms effectively to counter internal threats.
The "Bait For Kol" program is broadcast on Friday at 11 pm on the Egyptian Channel 1 and the Egyptian Space Channel, as well as on public channels in Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq. The program aims to discuss various topics related to national security, societal issues, and cultural events. The discussion on the role of media and platforms in protecting the state and society is part of the program's efforts to raise awareness and promote national discourse.
Key points
- Media and platforms can be a proactive tool for protecting the state and society from internal threats.
- The role of filmmakers in shaping public opinion and creating a national narrative is crucial in promoting national values and awareness.
- Using technology and social media platforms effectively is essential in countering internal threats.
