ICP Panel Examines Women's Roles in Algerian Revolution, Honors Elaine Mokhtefi
During the Algerian Revolution from 1954 to 1962, women were crucial as fighters, nurses, and photographers, but their contributions often go unnoticed. To shine a light on this issue, Dr. Maura McCreight will host a talk at the International Center of Photography (ICP). The discussion will focus on Elaine Mokhtefi, an American activist celebrated for her involvement in the revolution. She will be joined by Cynthia Young, who leads the Robert Capa and Cornell Capa Archive, and filmmaker Mila Turajlić, who explores Mokhtefi’s influence in her work. This event will also touch on the history of war photojournalism. In December 2026, an exhibition in Algiers will feature Kathryn Updegraff’s photography, further emphasizing women's roles in these historical contexts.
Key facts
- Women participated in the Algerian Revolution (1954–62) as combatants, nurses, and photographers.
- The ICP panel is led by Maura McCreight, PhD.
- The discussion focuses on the late Elaine Mokhtefi, an American-born activist and heroine of the revolution.
- Panelists include Cynthia Young, Director of the Robert Capa and Cornell Capa Archive at ICP, and filmmaker Mila Turajlić.
- Turajlić's film addresses Mokhtefi's contributions to the resistance.
- The panel examines the broader history of war photojournalism.
- An accompanying exhibition opens at the Palais de la Culture in Algiers in December 2026.
- The Algiers exhibition is funded by the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution (AIARA) and features work by American photographer Kathryn Updegraff.
Entities
Artists
- Maura McCreight
- Elaine Mokhtefi
- Cynthia Young
- Mila Turajlić
- Kathryn Updegraff
- Robert Capa
- Cornell Capa
Institutions
- International Center of Photography
- Robert Capa and Cornell Capa Archive
- Palais de la Culture
- International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution
Locations
- Algiers
- Algeria
- New York City
- United States