'Who else is in here?': Orientalism and War on Terror ideology in The View from Up Here.

This article analyzes the short film *The View from Up Here*, directed by Marco Calvani, focusing on its portrayal of the political ideology of the War on Terror and Edward Said's theory of Orientalism through the interactions between Claire, a white Anglo-American woman, and Lila, a Syrian refugee. The film depicts Claire's microaggressions and fears rooted in anti-immigrant rhetoric and Orientalist attitudes, which position Lila as a threatening "other" based on ethnicity and religion. Through their tense encounter, the film explores themes of power, cultural misunderstanding, and the impact of geopolitical conflicts on personal relationships, ultimately showing how Lila's personal story challenges Claire's prejudices and fears. The article situates the film within broader discourses on immigration, refugee crises, and the social consequences of global political anxieties post-9/11.