DTFF Salutes Algerian Cinema with Special Tribute

Held from November 17 to 24, 2012, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) is the annual cultural event of The Doha Film Institute (DFI). This year, it salutes the power of Algerian cinema. ‘Tribute to Algeria: Caught Between Past and Present’ will showcase four powerful films.

The special screening of the four films captures Algeria’s cinematic history during its post-independence era. The films reflect the nation’s struggles to come to terms with the fall-out of the violent revolution and are creative expression of the people’s hopes and aspirations

Coincidentally, this year Algeria will be celebrating its 50th anniversary since independence.

The films include Rome Rather Than You (Roma Wa La N’touma) directed by Tariq Teguia, Winds of the Aures (Le Vent des Aurès) by Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina; Omar Gatlato by Merzak Allouache; and Nouba of the Women of Mont Chenoua (La Nouba des Femmes du Mont-Chenoua) by Assia Djeber. The Battle of Algiers, celebrated classic by the late Italian filmmaker Gillo Pontecorvo will screen as part of the complimentary community screenings at the Sony Open Air Cinema on the Katara Esplanade.

His Excellency Mr Issa Bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, DTFF Vice Chairman, said: As Algeria celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, we are honoured to present a special showcase of the country’s powerful films – both from the past and the present – thus offering visitors to the festival a finer understanding of the country’s cinematic history and evolution.”

In addition, Katara Art Centre, in support of the Festival and the Algerian tribute is hosting an Algerian film poster exhibition along with an Algerian short films presentation from November 15 to December 15.

Organised with the support from Agence Algérienne pour le Rayonnement Culturel, the event will culminate with a live performance by renowned Algerian jazz musician Safy Boutella at its official Awards ceremony on November 22, 2012.