The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting
Director: Assia Djebar
“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.
In brief
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting (1983) is a drama, documentary film. With an average rating of 8.1/10 from 5 votes, it's one of the higher-rated titles. The film runs 57min. Check current streaming availability in the "Where to watch" section above.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting online?
We're currently checking availability of The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting across streaming services. Availability varies; it's worth checking major platforms such as Netflix, Max and Prime Video.
How long is The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting runs 57 minutes (57min).
What rating does The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting have?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting has an average rating of 8.1/10 based on 5 viewer votes on TMDB.
What year is The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting from?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting was released in 1983.
