The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting
La Zerda ou les chants de l'oubli
Synopsis
“La Zerda and the songs of oblivion” (1982) is one of only two films made by the Algerian novelist Assia Djebar, with “La Nouba des femmes du mont Chenoua” (1977). Powerful poetic essay based on archives, in which Assia Djebar – in collaboration with the poet Malek Alloula and the composer Ahmed Essyad – deconstructs the French colonial propaganda of the Pathé-Gaumont newsreels from 1912 to 1942, to reveal the signs of revolt among the subjugated North African population. Through the reassembly of these propaganda images, Djebar recovers the history of the Zerda ceremonies, suggesting that the power and mysticism of this tradition were obliterated and erased by the predatory voyeurism of the colonial gaze. This very gaze is thus subverted and a hidden tradition of resistance and struggle is revealed, against any exoticizing and orientalist temptation.
Release History & Theatrical Window
Berlin International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Assia Djebar
- Screenplay & Story
- Assia Djebar, Malek Alloula
- Original Score
- Ahmed Essyad
- Original Title
- La Zerda ou les chants de l'oubli
- Country of Origin
- Algeria
- Spoken Languages
- Arabic, French
- Runtime
- 57m
- Production Studios
- O.N.C.I.C.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Assia Djebar
Assia Djebar, Malek Alloula
Ahmed Essyad
Nicole Schlemmer, Marie-Hélène Méliès-Lehérissey, Marie-Ange Baratier
Department Leadership Roster
Assia Djebar
Writer
Nicole Schlemmer
Editor
Marie-Hélène Méliès-Lehérissey
Editor
Marie-Ange Baratier
Editor
Assia Djebar
Director
Malek Alloula
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting about?
“La Zerda and the songs of oblivion” (1982) is one of only two films made by the Algerian novelist Assia Djebar, with “La Nouba des femmes du mont Chenoua” (1977). Powerful poetic essay based on archives, in which Assia Djebar – in collaboration with the poet Malek Alloula and the composer Ahmed Essyad – deconstructs the French colonial propaganda of the Pathé-Gaumont newsreels from 1912 to 1942, to reveal the signs of revolt among the subjugated North African population. Through the reassembly of these propaganda images, Djebar recovers the history of the Zerda ceremonies, suggesting that the power and mysticism of this tradition were obliterated and erased by the predatory voyeurism of the colonial gaze. This very gaze is thus subverted and a hidden tradition of resistance and struggle is revealed, against any exoticizing and orientalist temptation.
Who directed The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting was directed by Assia Djebar.
Who stars in The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting?
The principal cast of The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting includes Not specified.
When was The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting released and how long is it?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 57m.
Who composed the musical score for The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting was composed by Ahmed Essyad.