Franco-Algerian War through a Twenty-First Century Lens: Film and History

The Franco-Algerian War is a powerful international symbol of Third Worldism and the finality of Empire, and this book explores its depiction in film through a Twenty-First Century Lens. It examines cinematic discourse to shed new light on topics such as the media revelation of torture and atomic bomb tests, immigrations role in the evolution of the wars meaning, and the complex relationship of the intertwined film cultures. It is an invaluable resource for scholars seeking to understand cinemas role in re-evaluating war and reconstructing international memory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Franco-Algerian War (1954-62) stands as a potent global emblem of Third Worldism and the irreversible decline of Empire. By delving into a nuanced examination of the war's portrayal in film, The Franco-Algerian War through a Twenty-First Century Lens establishes an international dialogue that both condemns and absolves previous generations. Through collaborative ventures between Algerian and French production teams, such as Hors-la-loi (Outside the Law, directed by Rachid Bouchareb, 2010) and Loubia Hamra (Bloody Beans, directed by Narimane Mari, 2013), citizens strive to uncover a shared history and its enduring impact. Nicole Beth Wallenbrock employs cinematic discourse to shed fresh light on various subjects, including the media's exposure of torture and atomic bomb tests, the role of immigration in shaping the war's significance, and the intricate interplay between intertwined film cultures. The first chapter provides a comprehensive summary of the Franco-Algerian War in 20th-century cinema, thereby grounding subsequent inquiries into Algeria's moudjahid (freedom-fighter) films and the French new waves' perceived disinterest in the conflict. This book serves as an invaluable resource for scholars seeking to comprehend the role of cinema in re-evaluating war and reconstructing international memory.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350246805