This dissertation considers the position of contemporary Algerian filmmaking (1988-2003) against the much-debated concept of national cinema. Drawing upon a range of theoretical frameworks and concepts such as Third Cinema, transnational cinema, and "accented" cinema, this dissertation asks—among key questions—whether Algerian-directed films still articulate a national coherence. In other words, do they still speak the nation? If so, how might we, based on their modus operandi, thematic and other constituents define this particular cinema? As part of a larger discussion and through the works of four distinctive Algerian-born filmmakers, each chapter takes into account questions of production, distribution, exhibition, influences, textuality, critical reception and audience (whenever feasible), and addresses each director's specificities as well as their relationship and engagement to Algeria. In doing so, this study accounts for the complexities of a body of films whose ties to the nation-state remain both significant and historically relevant for they probe specific and contemporary questions surrounding gender, sexuality, and politics, but most importantly the rise and impact of Islamic fundamentalism. Although it is often difficult if not impossible for Algerian filmmakers to openly address Algeria's political instability, the efforts which they have made in this regard, have resulted in multiple representations of a young society with an uncertain sense of identity and direction. Specific film texts are thus examined as constitutive of multiple counter-discourses of the nation. Through its analysis of such texts, the dissertation aims to bring attention to a corpus of understudied works and to highlight their national specificity. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Degree Awarded: Fall semester, 2007. / Date of Defense: July 27, 2007. / Cinema, Postcolonial, Transnational, Film, Algerian, Algeria / Includes bibliographical references. / Alec G. Hargreaves, Professor Directing Dissertation; Mark G. Cooper, Outside Committee Member; William J. Cloonan, Committee Member; Reinier Leushuis, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_168468 |
| Contributors | Belguellaoui, Cheira (authoraut), Hargreaves, Alec G. (professor directing dissertation), Cooper, Mark G. (outside committee member), Cloonan, William J. (committee member), Leushuis, Reinier (committee member), Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution) |
| Publisher | Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text |
| Format | 1 online resource, computer, application/pdf |
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