Directors of disappointment or rebellious directors in contemporary Algerian cinema

Abstract

In the last two decades in Algeria, a new stream of filmmakers have tackled historically committed themes such as the civil war and exile. These films, which do not receive state funding for their content, and which are generally co-productions, distance themselves from Algerian films that glorify heroes or heroines in their attempt to create a national narrative. The directors of this cinema of deception or rebellious cinema are keen to depict Algeria's complex contemporary history, and thus heal the wounds of a very violent past. These directors also introduce the Algerian Arabic dialect and French, more classical rhythms such as raï or more modern rhythms such as rap, and do not hesitate to present an "ugly" Algeria. These are films that are gaining international recognition, but which are generally banned in their country of origin, a country where the number of women filmmakers, actresses and producers is growing.