You are here:

The Sultan and the Saint

Name: The Sultan and the Saint
Director: Alexander Kronemer
Released: 2016
Duration: 58 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

2016

Director

Alexander Kronemer

Runtime

58 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary offers a sophisticated, multi-perspective view of history by focusing on interfaith diplomacy rather than traditional conflict narratives. It effectively challenges the 'us versus them' perspective often seen in media about the Crusades era. However, the film's historical setting limits its ability to include female influence and representation of LGBTQ+ identities. The narrative remains centered on the male-dominated political and religious structures of the 13th century. Overall, the film's strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Middle Eastern and European cultural interactions, challenging monolithic historical perspectives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Sultan and the Saint have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on historical religious figures and male-dominated political structures. There are no stories involving LGBTQ+ individuals or those whose gender doesn't match their assigned sex at birth.

How does The Sultan and the Saint portray gender?

Limited

The story centers around male leadership and religious authority, reflecting historical constraints. Although it doesn't promote sexism, the plot is driven by male characters, leaving little room for female influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Sultan and the Saint?

Good

The film highlights interactions between an Egyptian Sultan and a European preacher, showcasing a diverse range of cultures. It challenges Western stereotypes by offering a detailed look at Middle Eastern and European identities.

How does The Sultan and the Saint represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story criticizes extreme religious views by promoting peace and rejecting militant beliefs. It emphasizes interfaith dialogue and shared human values over traditional Western triumphalism.

Does The Sultan and the Saint include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any prominent characters with physical or cognitive disabilities that play a key role in the story.

Present on Screen

Challenges Western-centric 'Crusader' clichés by highlighting Middle Eastern identities.
Encourages interfaith dialogue and questions extreme religious views.
Presents a nuanced, multi-perspective view of historical cross-cultural engagement.

Limited or Absent

Lacks opportunities for female characters to take a leading role.
Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Does not address physical or cognitive disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Two men of faith, one a traveling Christian preacher, the other the ruler of a Muslim Empire, bucked a century of war, distrust, and insidious propaganda in a search for mutual respect and common ground. It is the story of Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, and their meeting on a bloody battlefield during the period of Christian- Muslim conflict known as the Crusades.

How are these scores produced? →