‘The Zerda and the Songs of Forgetting’ is screening as part of the 2021 Essay Film Festival – which returns this year in an online format, with over 30 films and live talking events everyday between March 25 and April 3. All the films and events are free to view/attend.

‘The Zerda’ is one of only two films made by the Algerian novelist and historian Assia Djebar, who is widely considered one of the most important figures in North African literature. From travelogue and newsreel footage filmed in the Maghreb by French colonialists in the first half of the twentieth century, including scenes of Zerda ceremonies, Djebar constructs an alternative vision of Maghrebi history.

On the 1st of April from 17.30 – 19.00, join Wen-chin Ouyang (SOAS) and Maya Boutaghou (University of Virginia) live in conversation about the film. This live event will take place via conferencing software collaborate. Sign up on the event page to receive the link: http://www.essayfilmfestival.com/session-9-assia-djebar-the-zerda/