As Algeria launches a global bid to produce a long-awaited film about Emir Abdelkader, the unresolved issue of a compelling screenplay remains the project’s critical challenge

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 22nd, 2024 — Algeria’s bold decision to launch an international tender for the production and direction of the film on Emir Abdelkader, following President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directive, reignites hopes for a cinematic portrayal of one of the country’s most revered national figures. However, this ambitious project, which has languished for years, remains burdened by its primary hurdle: the screenplay.

Despite the political will and national commitment to bringing the life of the celebrated leader to the screen, previous efforts to create a screenplay that meets global cinematic standards have repeatedly stalled. The question now is how to overcome the screenplay dilemma that has long impeded this project’s progress.

A History of Failed Attempts

Efforts to produce a film about Emir Abdelkader have been ongoing for over a decade, yet all have failed to take off. One of the earliest attempts came from writer and historian Boualem Bessaïh, whose script was criticized by specialists for merely recounting historical events without providing a fully realized cinematic vision. Although the script accurately covered the major milestones in the Emir’s life, it lacked the narrative depth and dramatic elements necessary to appeal to a modern global audience.

The second major attempt, initiated in 2012 by academic and researcher Dr. Zaim Khanchlaoui, similarly faltered. Despite a staggering budget of 20 billion Algerian dinars (equivalent to approximately $200 million USD) being allocated, the project was frozen before even a single scene was filmed.

Algerian author and novelist, Wassini Al-Aaraj, also sought to bring the Emir’s life to the screen. He aimed to adapt his book, The Paths of Iron Doors, into a screenplay in collaboration with an Italian screenwriter, but this project too never materialized. Later, in 2021, screenwriter Rabah Zarrif proposed a series of four films, yet no significant progress followed.

Renewed Political Will

In 2021, President Tebboune reaffirmed his commitment to the project, establishing a national institution under the guidance of presidential advisor and veteran filmmaker Ahmed Rachedi. This, however, also saw little advancement. A year later, the responsibility shifted to the Ministry of Culture and Arts, which formed a special committee to select a screenplay. Despite this, no national competition or initiative to source a suitable script has been launched to date.

Now, with the announcement of an international tender for the film’s production and direction, there is renewed optimism. But the critical question remains: how will the screenplay be selected, given its importance in shaping the entire project? The October 20th statement from the Council of Ministers mentioned the tender for production and direction but made no specific reference to the screenplay, leaving many wondering if production companies will be expected to submit their own screenplays or if the Ministry will take charge of this foundational task.

Solving the Screenplay Puzzle

From a practical standpoint, it is unlikely that international production companies would be able to submit scripts that accurately capture the life and legacy of Emir Abdelkader while respecting Algeria’s historical and cultural sensitivities. A solution to this challenge would be to reactivate the Ministry of Culture’s special committee and launch a national competition to source the best screenplay. The winning script could then be incorporated into the terms of the international tender, ensuring that the project is built on solid cinematic foundations before proceeding to production and direction.

Given the Emir’s profound historical significance—not only as a national hero who led the fight against French colonization, but also as a poet, philosopher, and international symbol of justice and peace—it is essential that the screenplay is crafted with utmost care. The narrative must reflect his multifaceted life: his early years of scholarly pursuit, his leadership in armed resistance against French occupation, his subsequent years as a prisoner in France, and finally his spiritual and intellectual legacy during his later life in Damascus, where he passed away in 1883.

A Global Vision for a National Icon

President Tebboune’s directive to open the film project to Algerian and international talents alike underscores the intention to give the film a global reach. Emir Abdelkader’s legacy extends beyond Algeria—his contributions to international diplomacy, his protection of minorities, and his moral and ethical leadership have left an indelible mark on world history. It is imperative that the screenplay resonates not just with an Algerian audience but with viewers around the globe.

To that end, a robust and visionary screenplay is not just desirable but essential. It must not only chronicle the Emir’s heroic resistance against French colonization but also delve into his intellectual and spiritual journey, shedding light on the values that made him a revered figure in Algeria and beyond.

Source text by: Hanane Mahdi

Translated with adaptation from: 

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