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Algerian Cinema in Forty Five Lessons offers a fresh approach to examine the history of Algerian cinema, from its inception to the present day, providing in-depth analysis of forty five key films. While most scholarly and critical work on Algerian cinema continues to centre on the War of Independence and those films engaging with it, Dr Ahmed Bedjaoui argues that this thematic dominance has overshadowed many other important aspects of Algerian film history. Further, Bedjaoui examines how "revolutionary" films have frequently depicted an idealized image of a heroic, flawless and fearless figure which has been strategically crafted to legitimize national authority at different points in time.
This book offers a new reading, which involves rehabilitating some major but underestimated works, as well as questioning other films primarily known for their contribution to the Algerian national story. Among the works studied, certain productions offer a less Manichean vision of the War of Independence, while explaining the process that led to it. Above all, Bedjaoui strives to bring out of the shadows films of great artistic value (sometimes produced by state television), and compares the productions of the so-called golden age (1960s and 1970s) with the films made by the following generations, in terms of both creativity and capacity to reflect the specificity of Algerian society.
Through a contextualization of forty specific films, this book provides a deep analysis of the changes which occurred in the heart of Algerian society, moving from an all-socialist to an all-protectionist state, before being later threatened by religious fundamentalism. Engaging and accessibly written, and including coverage of many films never written about in English-language histories of Algerian cinema, this book is an essential resource for understanding this dynamic and vital film culture.
List of contents
Foreword by Nabil Boudraa.-Introduction: A Revised Concept of Algerian Cinema.-Chapter 1. The Premises.-Chapter 2. The first steps of a young nation.-Chapter 3. An early golden age.-Chapter 4. A new generation and new concerns.-Chapter 5. Derision and laughter.-Chapter 6. International recognition.-Chapter 7. Rural and social protest.-Chapter 8. Assia Djebar - Pioneer of a women's cinema.-Chapter 9. Childhood in Algerian cinema.-Chapter 10. The best of TV production.-Chapter 11. Yamina, Yasmine and Mohamed Chouikh: a family dedicated to the film industry.- Chapter 12. Films speak Tamazight.-Chapter 13. Teguia, the outsider.- Chapter 14. A new vision of the Algerian war.- Chapter 15. Documentaries as a mirror of Algerian reality.-Chapter 16. Women's voices versus fundamentalism.- Chapter 17. Post fundamentalism trauma.-Chapter 18. Back to ancient history.-Chapter 19. New tendencies and the young Algerian cinema.-Conclusion: Challenges of an uncertain future.-.
About the author
Ahmed Bedjaoui is Professor Emeritus at Algiers 3 University, the artistic director of the Algiers International Film Festival, and curator for numerous film exhibitions and events. His publications include, most recently, Cinema and the Algerian War of Independence: Culture, Politics and Society (2020, Palgrave MacMillan) and Scott Fitzgerald et ses contemporains face à Hollywood (Casbah, 2023). In 2015, Bedjaoui received the UNESCO Féderico Fellini Medal for his contribution to world film culture.
Nabil Boudraa is Professor of French and Francophone Studies at Oregon State University. Nabil has authored and edited several publications on various topics. Dr. Boudraa was a guest on several shows, namely BBC’s The Forum and NPR’s Morning Edition. Lastly, Nabil Boudraa has received several grants and awards, including the Fulbright Scholar Award (2011), four National Endowment for the Humanities grants (2007, 2014, 2015, and 2017), and four American Institute for Maghreb Studies research awards (2000, 2016, 2020, 2024).
Summary
Algerian Cinema in Forty Five Lessons offers a fresh approach to examine the history of Algerian cinema, from its inception to the present day, providing in-depth analysis of forty five key films. While most scholarly and critical work on Algerian cinema continues to centre on the War of Independence and those films engaging with it, Dr Ahmed Bedjaoui argues that this thematic dominance has overshadowed many other important aspects of Algerian film history. Further, Bedjaoui examines how "revolutionary" films have frequently depicted an idealized image of a heroic, flawless and fearless figure which has been strategically crafted to legitimize national authority at different points in time.
This book offers a new reading, which involves rehabilitating some major but underestimated works, as well as questioning other films primarily known for their contribution to the Algerian national story. Among the works studied, certain productions offer a less Manichean vision of the War of Independence, while explaining the process that led to it. Above all, Bedjaoui strives to bring out of the shadows films of great artistic value (sometimes produced by state television), and compares the productions of the so-called golden age (1960s and 1970s) with the films made by the following generations, in terms of both creativity and capacity to reflect the specificity of Algerian society.
Through a contextualization of forty specific films, this book provides a deep analysis of the changes which occurred in the heart of Algerian society, moving from an all-socialist to an all-protectionist state, before being later threatened by religious fundamentalism. Engaging and accessibly written, and including coverage of many films never written about in English-language histories of Algerian cinema, this book is an essential resource for understanding this dynamic and vital film culture.
