Film discussion: The Battle of Algiers

The Battle of Algiers (Dir: Gillo Pontecorvo)

Description from Criterion.com: One of the most influential political films in history, The Battle of Algiers, by Gillo Pontecorvo, vividly re-creates a key year in the tumultuous Algerian struggle for independence from the occupying French in the 1950s. As violence escalates on both sides, children shoot soldiers at point-blank range, women plant bombs in cafés, and French soldiers resort to torture to break the will of the insurgents. Shot on the streets of Algiers in documentary style, the film is a case study in modern warfare, with its terrorist attacks and the brutal techniques used to combat them. Pontecorvo’s tour de force has astonishing relevance today.

Come on out and join us in a discussion of The Battle of Algiers! I'll leave a copy of Andre Bazin's What is Cinema? on the table to make it easy to spot us (look for the salmon pink cover—you can't miss it).

Note: Available streaming on Kanopy (accessible with an Edmonton Public Library card) at https://edmonton.kanopy.com/video/battle-algiers-0