Category: Culture | Date Published: Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Author: Nor-Eleslam
Algiers will host an international symposium on “Cinema and Memory” from December 9 to 11, under the high patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The event will gather experts in cinema and history from Algeria and abroad, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of Algeria’s liberation revolution.
Cinema as a Tool for Memory and Liberation
Organized by the Algerian Center for the Development of Cinema under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the symposium is themed “Cinema and Memory: A Window to the Past and a Vision for the Future.” It aims to foster discussions on the role of cinema as a tool for documenting collective memory and promoting the values of liberation and resistance.
During a press conference at the Mouloud Zekriya Cultural Palace, Chaddad Bazigh, General Coordinator of the event and Director of Arts Development at the Ministry of Culture, highlighted the state’s commitment to the preservation of memory in various fields, including cinematic archives. He also noted the importance of Algeria’s new cinema law in enhancing this effort.
Diverse Topics and Renowned Experts
Zine El Abidine Arqab, Director of the Algerian Center for the Development of Cinema and head of the organizing committee, revealed that the symposium would feature prominent researchers and international experts. Discussions will include global experiences in revolutionary cinema, the role of cinema in documenting resistance, and sessions on digitization and film restoration.
Jamal Yahiaoui, Director of the National Book Center and head of the symposium’s scientific committee, emphasized the event’s focus on scientific, cultural, and artistic issues related to memory. He stressed cinema’s pivotal role in shaping awareness, fostering memory, and addressing political and cultural themes.
Key Highlights
The symposium will host 30 speakers from Algeria and beyond, delivering insights across six sessions. Topics will explore:
- Cinema’s role in building liberation consciousness.
- Algerian cinema during and post-revolutionary eras.
- Challenges of promoting resistant cinema.
- Future prospects of cinema amid current global transformations.
Additionally, the event will celebrate revolutionary filmmakers, honoring late Algerian directors and international filmmakers who supported Algeria’s revolution. Tributes will be paid to notable figures such as Serbian filmmaker Stevan Labudović, French director René Vautier, and Italian filmmaker Gillo Pontecorvo.
A Platform for Reflection
The symposium is not only a tribute to cinema’s historical significance but also a forward-looking initiative to promote solidarity, human rights, and cultural heritage through film.
Learn More
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