The present study makes an attempted critique on the common Orientalist Western stereotypes about the status of women in the Arab countries through the study of Arab cinematic productions of the 21^st century. The aim is to examine to what extent Orientalist perspectives about the Arab woman are challenged or reproduced by the Arabs themselves. Qualitative content analysis was used as a research method. Data analysis procedures included setting key words and thematic categories to codify the findings which were summarized into 5 core categories. Under study were the following 7 productions: “Caramel” (2007)/Lebanon, “Bus 678” (2010)/Egypt, “The Blue Caftan” (2022)/Marocco, “Wadjda” (2012)/Saudi Arabia, “Sand Storm” (2016)/Israel, “Whispers” (2020)/Saudi Arabia, “The Exchange” (2022)/Kuwait. Findings demonstrate Orientalist representations to be debunked at a greater extent than confirmed in most productions. The majority of the female characters are working women providing for themselves and their children (if any) and refuse to live by the dictates of the traditional gender roles. Some are portrayed in less common jobs chasing their dream careers. Εxcept for “Sand Storm”, all productions narrate stories of empowered females or in the making, with voice and agency, deconstructing thereby almost completely the stereotype of the voiceless, obedient, passive Arab woman. Their stories present great diversity as to the lived experiences. Moreover, the stereotypical widespread image of the veiled Arab woman is not only not always indicative of oppression but also not applicable to all Arab females, as it fails to account for Christian women. In some productions, Muslim female characters do not even wear a veil. On the other hand, Orientalist stereotypes are found to be confirmed to some extent, which varies depending on the producing country and certainly needs contextual framing, so as to better comprehend the multifaced barriers to Arab women’s access to education, work, society and justice. For sure, it is crucial the situation be examined in its unique particular Arab context, taking into consideration all the complex configurations Arab women are called to navigate through trying to maintain their agency.