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The Builders of the Alhambra

Name: The Builders of the Alhambra
Director: Isabel Fernández
Released: 2022
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2022

Director

Isabel Fernández

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Builders of the Alhambra succeeds as a corrective historical lens, shifting focus away from Eurocentric narratives to celebrate the sophistication of the Nasrid dynasty. By centering the architectural legacy of al-Andalus, the film provides high ability to act to a historically underrepresented cultural context. However, the documentary remains limited by its narrow focus on male-driven statecraft and political leadership. The absence of diverse social identities, such as LGBTQ+ or disability representation, keeps the overall score moderate despite its cultural strengths.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Builders of the Alhambra have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on 14th-century construction and the reign of Sultan Yusuf I. There are no visible LGBTQ+ character arcs or non-binary identities present.

How does The Builders of the Alhambra portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on the political and architectural roles of Sultan Yusuf I. This focus on a singular male leader emphasizes traditional masculine leadership and statecraft.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Builders of the Alhambra?

Excellent

The film provides significant diversity by centering a non-Western, Islamic civilization. It disrupts conventional Western-centric historical perspectives by highlighting the cultural legacy of al-Andalus.

How does The Builders of the Alhambra represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film emphasizes the preservation of a civilization under threat of erasure. It highlights a non-Christian historical framework that challenges the dominance of Western narratives.

Does The Builders of the Alhambra include disability representation?

Minimal

The provided context contains no mention of neurodivergence or physical disabilities within the historical narrative.

Present on Screen

The film centers a non-Western, Islamic civilization, providing a vital alternative to traditional Eurocentric historical perspectives.
It highlights the sophisticated cultural and architectural legacy of the Kingdom of Granada.
By focusing on al-Andalus, the film challenges the dominance of Western historical narratives.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of gender diversity, focusing almost exclusively on male leadership.
There is no visible inclusion of LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent perspectives.
The film does not address disability representation within its historical scope.

Official Synopsis

Kingdom of Granada, al-Andalus, 14th century. After recognizing that his land, always under siege, is hopelessly doomed to be conquered, Sultan Yusuf I undertakes the construction of a magnificent fortress with the purpose of turning it into the landmark of his civilization and his history, a glorious monument that will survive the oblivion of the coming centuries: the Alhambra.

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