A still from Algerian film Omar Gatlato (1976

The fourth edition of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), to be held between November 17 to 24, will this year salute the power of Algerian cinema with a special showcase, ‘Tribute to Algerian Cinema: Caught Between Past and Present.’
A special screening of four films will capture the frustrations, resilience and resounding hope of Algeria’s people in the post-colonial era. DTFF 2012 is also coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Algeria’s independence.
Algeria has witnessed, since independence, several powerful cinematic works that reflect the nation’s struggles to come to terms with the fall-out of the violent revolution.
Four such films, Rome Rather Than You (Roma Wa La N’touma) directed by Tariq Teguia; Winds of the Aures (Le Vent des Aurès) by Mohamed Lakhdar-Hamina; Omar Gatlato by Merzak allouache; and Nouba of the Women of Mont Chenoua (La Nouba des Femmes du Mont-Chenoua) by Assia Djeber are part of DTFF’s tribute.
Critically celebrated classic, The Battle of Algiers by the late Italian filmmaker Gillo Pontecorvo will screen as part of the complimentary community screenings at the Sony Open Air Cinema on the Katara Esplanade.
DTFF will also be screening Algerian films in its competition section including The Repentant (Le Repenti ) by Merzak Allouache; Fidaï by Damien Ounouri and Goodbye Morocco by Nadir Moknèche and the film set in Algeria O My Body! (O Mon Corps!) by Laurent Aït Benalla.
The tribute culminates with a live performance by renowned Algerian jazz musician Safy Boutella at the official awards ceremony on November 22, who will perform a special tribute to the nation.
The tribute showcase has been organised with support from Agence Algérienne pour le Rayonnement Culturel.
DTFF vice-chair Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi said: “Algeria’s cinematic history is indeed the reflection of the country’s post-independence era and a creative expression of the people’s hopes and aspirations. As Algeria celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, we are honoured to present a special showcase of the country’s powerful films – both from the past and the present – thus offering visitors to the festival a finer understanding of the country’s cinematic history and evolution.”
In addition, Katara Art Centre, in support of the festival and the Algerian tribute, is hosting an Algerian film poster exhibition along with an Algerian short films presentation from November 15 to December 15.