The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua (1978)
Writer and filmmaker Assia Djebar explores Algerian history, the psychological impact of war, and post-colonial female identity in this 1979 classic of film literature. Named for (and taking its structure from) a traditional song with five distinct movements, the film combines documentary-style observation with loose narrative form to tell the story of Lila, an Algerian expatriate returning to her country 15 years after independence has been won. In comparing her life with the lives and experiences of rural Algeriennes, Lila is able to put her childhood demons to rest and discover a new history -- one written in the ongoing strength of generations of women. Like much of Djebar's writing, the film has a strong subtext dealing with resistance to patriarchy and women's desire to appropriate the means of power and expression -- one of which, of course, is the filmmaker's camera.
Screenplay
Keywords
algeria, woman director, north africa, post-colonial, maghreb, algerian traditions, women in war
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua about?
- Writer and filmmaker Assia Djebar explores Algerian history, the psychological impact of war, and post-colonial female identity in this 1979 classic of film literature. Named for (and taking its structure from) a traditional song with five distinct movements, the film combines documentary-style observation with loose narrative form to tell the story of Lila, an Algerian expatriate returning to her country 15 years after independence has been won. In comparing her life with the lives and experiences of rural Algeriennes, Lila is able to put her childhood demons to rest and discover a new history -- one written in the ongoing strength of generations of women. Like much of Djebar's writing, the film has a strong subtext dealing with resistance to patriarchy and women's desire to appropriate the means of power and expression -- one of which, of course, is the filmmaker's camera.
- Who directed The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua?
- The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua was directed by Assia Djebar.
- How long is The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua?
- The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua has a runtime of 1h 55m (115 minutes).
- What genre is The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua?
- The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua is a Drama, Documentary film.
- Where was The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua produced?
- The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua was produced in Algeria.