Algerian Radio
The first edition of the "Women's Cinema Days" opened Tuesday in Algiers, aiming to highlight the role of women in shaping a cinematic image that reflects the social, human, and cultural transformations within Algerian society.
The Algiers Cinémathèque is hosting the event, which continues until April 9, under the supervision of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda. This year's edition is dedicated to the memory of the late artist Baya Bouzar, famously known as "Biyouna" (1952–2025).
This initiative seeks to shed light on the experiences of Algerian female directors and creators who have contributed to crafting a visual discourse that reflects the reality and changes of society.
Adel Makhalfia, Director of the Algiers Cinémathèque, stated that this event serves as a "tribute to Algerian women filmmakers from different generations" who have "helped create a window into profound human worlds that raise questions and have succeeded in writing memory."
He added that the presence of Algerian women "has become prominent in several fields" and that women's cinema "is not merely an artistic presentation, but a space for self-expression and a re-reading of reality from a different perspective that reflects women's experiences and issues."
The opening ceremony featured honors for several prominent figures in the field of cinema from various generations, including director Nadia Labidi, as well as actresses Bahia Rachedi, Nadia Talbi, and Lydia Larini.
The program includes the screening of a collection of short and feature films, followed by discussion and analysis sessions aimed at reinterpreting the content of these works and highlighting their artistic visions.
Among the programmed works are "Behind the Mirror" by Nadia Labidi, "Parkour" by Fatma Zohra Zamoum, "The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua" by Assia Djebar, and "Leila and Her Sisters" by Sid Ali Mazif. Additionally, short films such as "Nia" by Imane Ayadi, "Rahma" by Hanane Gharbi, "Chebchak Marikan" by Amel Blidi, and "Yesterday I Will Return" by Badra Hafiane will be featured.
The event also includes specialized workshops in the fields of film criticism, screenwriting, and directing, alongside intellectual seminars discussing the trajectory of women's cinema in Algeria and the challenges it faces.
