Join artist Zineb Sedira in conversation with curator Olivier Hadouchi as they delve in to Algerian cinematic history, exploring what we can learn by revisiting film from a time of utopias and great promises.
During the Algerian War of Independence, cinema became a powerful tool against colonial representation, promoting another vision. It also played a pivotal role in creating a network of international solidarity. After independence, Algiers became a centre for liberation movements – from Vietnamese FNL to African MPLA, PAIGC, FRELIMO and the US Black Panther Party.
This spirit during the sixties prompted a large number of coproductions (for example, with Italy) and the creation of a new Algerian cinema, centered around the Cinematheque (founded in 1965) where filmmakers from all over the world were invited to show their work connect with audiences.
Their discussion will include screenings and excerpts of films including Zineb Sedira’s Mise-en-Scène (2019), William Klein’s The Pan African Festival of Algeirs (1969), René Vautier’s Le Glas (1964) and Assia Djebar’s La Zerda (1983).
