Representing masculinity in postcolonial Algerian cinema

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Periodical article

Title:	Representing masculinity in postcolonial Algerian cinema
Author:	Sharpe, Mani
Year:	2015
Periodical:	The Journal of North African Studies (ISSN 1743-9345)
Volume:	20
Issue:	3
Pages:	450-465
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Algeria
Subjects:	films cinema Berber masculinity
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/13629387.2015.1034113
Abstract:	After obtaining independence in 1962, Algeria witnessed the emergence of a highly politicised cinema dedicated to visualising the often traumatic effects of conflict. Existing scholarship tends towards framing narratives produced in the aftermath of independence within their historical, political and cinematic context without offering any sustained textual analysis of individual films. With this in mind, this article aims to address this critical blind spot through close analysis of three key works of the period: Mohamed Lahkdar-Hamina's 'Le Vent des Aurès' (The Winds of the Aurès, 1966), Tewfik Farès's 'Les Hors-la-loi' (The Outlaws, 1969) and Ahmed Rachedi's 'L'Opium et le bâton' (Opium and the Stick, 1969). Drawing largely from historians, cultural historians, and film scholars, the main aim of the article is to explore how these films disavow the pervasive masculine sexual concerns that characterised the period, primarily by representing men as fearless warriors and martyrs. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]