A week of Algerian cinema will open today, 15 July, at the Artistic Creativity Centre in celebration of the 50th anniversary of post-independence Algerian cinema. The festival is organised by the Cultural Development Fund, the Algerian embassy, the Luxor African Film Festival Committee and Nile TV.

The film Battle of Algiers will be screened at 6:30pm and will be followed by a discussion on joint Algerian and Egyptian film productions by film critics Samir Farid, Gamal El-Din Hazourly and Siham Burshuty.   

Programme:

Monday, 16 July at 7:15pm

Chronicle of the Years of Embers by Mohammed Lakhdar Hamina

Winner of the Palme D'or in 1975, the film revolves around the history of Algeria and the struggle of its people for independence. It also sheds light on the life of Algerian Bedouins and how the desert became a battleground for the war of independence.

Tuesday, 17 July at 7pm

The Return of the Prodigal son by Youssef Chahine (Egyptian/Algerian production)

The film revolves around Aly, an activist released after many years in prison, only to return and find his brother taking over the family business and exploiting its workers.

Wednesday, 18 July at 7pm

Outside the Law by Rachid Bouchareb

The film, which is set during the Algerian independence movement, revolves around three brothers who go in their separate ways. One joins the French army, another joins the FLN (National Liberation Front), while the third works in an underground boxing club. After many years the three brother reunite.

Thursday, 19 July at 6pm

6pm

Lecture on comtemporary Algerian cineme by film critics Nabil Hagy and Ahmed Fayek

7:30pm

L'Opium et le baton (Opium and the Baton) by Ahmed Rachedi

The film is set during the Algerian war for independence. 

The Artisitc Creativity Centre is located in the Cairo Opera House grounds.