Loubia Hamra
Narimane Mari
France, Algeria | 2013 | 77 min
Language : Arabic
Subtitles : English, French
The director’s first feature film, which won several awards in 2013, is a formidable example of how younger generations can appropriate a history that obviously goes over their heads. Transparently illustrating colonisation and the Algerian War of Independence, as well as the ensuing complex and painful relationships, Loubia Hamra is above all a film imbued with grace and the joy of children at play.
It starts and ends on the beach, with swimming, talking and laughter. In between, the world and history are (re)played out for the children who are the film’s protagonists. The Algerian War of Independence, colonisation and its complex inherent relationships are what take shape through metaphorical or imaginary figures, shadow theatre, scenes that they play out with obvious joy. Their language meets that of Narimane Mari and of her film, shot off the cuff, the images support the action. Sometimes almost abstract in the nocturnal sequences, producing living paintings, they are accompanied by extremely precise work on the soundtrack and music, which intensify the playful and adventurous atmospheres. The director’s first feature film, which won several awards in 2013, is a formidable example of how younger generations can appropriate a history that belongs to them yet at the same time goes over their heads. Implicitly illustrating the end of French Algeria, Loubia Hamra is above all imbued with grace and the joy of children.
Emilie Bujès
Trailer
