Alia Ali's 'The Red Star' Video Installation Imagines Yemeni Futurism Beyond Conflict

In her 2020 video installation titled 'The Red Star,' Alia Ali presents a 13-minute psychedelic portrayal of Yemen, fusing modern visuals of traditional dance, scenes from Sana'a's Old Town, and oud music with historical footage. The piece reflects on Yemen's prospects amidst civil conflict, US-supported Saudi airstrikes, and the UN's 2019 classification of the crisis as the worst manmade humanitarian disaster globally. Ali, whose heritage includes a Bosnian mother and a Yemeni father, delves into the identities of displaced Yemenis. The narrative weaves together the tale of Queen Bilqis and a 1997 CNN story about Yemenis suing NASA, subtly alluding to US and Saudi roles, unlike her 2018 work where she recited the names of Yemeni war casualties. The installation highlights Yemen's cultural heritage and features narration in both English and Arabic.