Katia Kameli's Video Trilogy The Algerian Novel Examines Postcolonial Memory and Women's Erasure

Katia Kameli, a Franco-Algerian artist, delves into Algeria's complex history and identity through her documentary video trilogy, Le Roman algérien (The Algerian Novel). This work was showcased as a three-screen installation during her exhibition, Elle a allumé le vif du passé, at Marseille's FRAC last summer. Filmed from 2017 to 2019 amid the initial Hirak protests, the first segment highlights a historical kiosk in Algiers, featuring colonial postcards and political portraits. The second segment critiques the first, including interviews with writer Wassyla Tamzali and former FNL member Louisette Ighilahriz, focusing on the marginalization of women in history. The final chapter merges 2019 Hirak footage with insights from photojournalist Louiza Ammi on media skepticism. Kameli's solo exhibition, Le Cantique des oiseaux, is on display at La Criée Centre d'Art Contemporain in Rennes until 28 August 2022.