Frédérique Devaux Yahi, a renowned filmmaker and author, has recently published her book "De la naissance du cinéma kabyle" (The Birth of Kabyle Cinema) in Algeria. The book, first published in France a few years ago, explores the history and development of Kabyle cinema. In an interview with La Dépêche de Kabylie, Devaux Yahi shares her insights on the book and the state of Amazigh cinema. She explains that her motivation for rewriting the book in Algeria was to make it more accessible to a local audience and to adapt the content to better suit their needs.
Devaux Yahi's book focuses on the early days of Kabyle cinema, which she believes is essential to understanding the evolution of the industry. She notes that the lack of film education and training in Algeria has hindered the growth of Amazigh cinema. Most of the early filmmakers, including Abderrahmane Bougermouh, Azeddine Meddour, and Belkacem Hadjadj, had to seek training abroad. This has resulted in a shortage of skilled technicians and a reliance on foreign collaboration.
According to Devaux Yahi, the absence of a well-established film industry in Algeria has led to a lack of continuity in Kabyle cinema. She argues that the government should prioritize cultural development and provide support for filmmakers. The current state of Amazigh cinema is characterized by a proliferation of low-quality productions, which Devaux Yahi attributes to the lack of authorial vision and critical thinking.
Devaux Yahi emphasizes the importance of film education and transmission of knowledge in developing a thriving cinema industry. She believes that teaching film history, aesthetics, and technique is crucial for creating works of quality. To this end, she has donated a significant collection of films to the cinémathèque in Béjaïa, but notes that more resources and infrastructure are needed to promote and preserve these works.
The themes and subjects chosen in Kabyle films, according to Devaux Yahi, reflect a desire to reclaim and celebrate Amazigh identity and cultural heritage. While she acknowledges the importance of this historiographic effort, she suggests that future productions should strive for more critical and nuanced storytelling. Devaux Yahi cites the early films "La colline oubliée," "La montagne de Baya," and "Machaho" as examples of works that already demonstrated a level of critical distance and self-reflection.
Devaux Yahi's own projects and research focus on promoting film education and critical thinking. She continues to teach and conduct research, with plans to revive her film initiation workshops. Her work aims to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and film enthusiasts in Algeria and beyond.
As a pioneer in the field of Amazigh cinema, Devaux Yahi's contributions are invaluable. Her book and advocacy efforts have helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting Kabyle cultural heritage through film. With her dedication to film education and critical thinking, Devaux Yahi is paving the way for a brighter future for Amazigh cinema.
Key points
- Frédérique Devaux Yahi's book "De la naissance du cinéma kabyle" explores the history and development of Kabyle cinema.
- The lack of film education and training in Algeria has hindered the growth of Amazigh cinema.
- Devaux Yahi emphasizes the importance of film education and transmission of knowledge in developing a thriving cinema industry.
