The city of Oran recently hosted a cinematic event at the Miramar cinema, commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the outbreak of Algeria's glorious liberation revolution. The event was organized in collaboration with the Oran Academy of Scientific Studies and Cultural Interaction, and was led by Dr. Abdelkader Meski. The program began with a screening of the historic film "Battle of Algiers," followed by a rich scientific discussion under the theme "Battle of Algiers: Cinema, National Memory, and the Symbolism of Revolutionary Heroism."
The film "Battle of Algiers" was described by Professor Ghamchi Ben Omar as a difficult film to categorize, questioning whether it was a documentary or a fictional film, or perhaps a combination of both. He noted that the film's script was creative and imaginative, produced by the veteran Mujahid Yacef Saadi, who was a witness to the events depicted in the film. The film was awarded the "Golden Lion" at the Venice Film Festival as a narrative film.
Professor Blelouri Sid Ahmed, a Mujahid and history professor, discussed the historical aspects of the film, while Dr. Gouthi Shaqroun focused on the documentary aspect of the film as a historical document that chronicles a significant moment in Algeria's struggle for independence. Dr. Nair Moukhtar highlighted the support of Italian cinema companies for Algeria's independent cinema, citing examples of films produced in Algeria and the contribution of specialized laboratories in processing Algerian films.
The event also featured a discussion on the protest by French-Algerian groups and the disruption of film screenings, with Dr. Tarek Amer noting that the film was not a historical document, but rather a work of imagination. He cited a statement by the director, Gillo Pontecorvo, who said that the film did not teach how to wage war, but rather how to make a film.
The screening and discussion were attended by several experts and academics, who engaged in a lively debate about the film's significance and its place in Algerian history. The event was seen as an opportunity to reflect on the country's past and its cultural heritage.
The film "Battle of Algiers" is considered a classic of Algerian cinema and a powerful symbol of the country's struggle for independence. Its screening and discussion in Oran were seen as a way to keep the memory of the liberation revolution alive and to promote a deeper understanding of Algerian history and culture.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting Algerian cultural heritage, and to continuing the discussion and debate about the country's history and its significance.
Key points
- The event was organized to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the outbreak of Algeria's liberation revolution.
- The film "Battle of Algiers" was screened and discussed as part of the event.
- The discussion highlighted the film's significance as a historical document and its place in Algerian culture and history.
