Gillo Pontecorvo’s brilliant, highly influential 1966 film “The Battle of Algiers” will be featured at Bilkent Cinematics’ next screening, on Wednesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. in FFB-05.
Pontecorvo’s movie has as its focus the Algerian War of Independence from the French, dealing specifically with the tumultuous period 1954-57, when the nationalist struggle for independence led to ever-escalating acts of civil terror from both sides of the conflict. Pontecorvo (influenced by Italian neorealists like Roberto Rossellini) shot his film in a black-and-white, highly realistic documentary style. This so fooled some initial viewers that Pontecorvo had to announce that not a minute of the film was, in fact, documentary. As viewers watch the movie, they get a sense of being immersed in actual events rather than viewing an artful recreation of them. It is a singular cinematic experience.
The New York Times says, “Though Pontecorvo’s sympathies plainly rest with the Algerians fighting for their independence, ‘The Battle of Algiers’ casts no judgment over the ethics of terrorism and torture, implying that such horrible tactics were a reality of urban conflict. For that, it remains a flashpoint of controversy.”
All Bilkent Cinematics movies are screened with English subtitles. Snacks and beverages are served just prior to the screenings, and everyone is welcome. For further details, contact Hossein Dabir at dabir@bilkent.edu.tr or visit Bilkent Cinematics on Facebook.