Casbah Films

Casbah Film is an Algerian film production company founded by Yacef Saadi in in Algiers. It produced the historical film The Battle of Algiers, directed by Gillo Pontecorvo in co-production with the Italian company Igor Film.

History

After Algerian independence in 1962, the former head of the Autonomous Zone of Algiers of the FLN, Yacef Saadi, decided to establish a production company to bring his wartime memoirs and experiences to the screen. Casbah Film was created in and partnered with the Italian company Igor Film to produce The Battle of Algiers, shot in Algiers with the participation of former combatants and Casbah residents.

Activities

Casbah Film name remains closely associated with The Battle of Algiers, a landmark political film that won major international prizes and became a worldwide reference in political cinema.

Filmography

1964: Les Mains libres — production company credit.
1966: The Battle of Algiers — production.
1967: The Stranger (1967 film) — production credit.
1967: Death Walks in Laredo — participation / credit.

Awards and recognition

The film The Battle of Algiers, produced by Casbah Film, received several major international awards:

Venice Film Festival 1966 — Golden Lion.
1969 — Nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
1969 — Nomination for Academy Award for Best Director.

Legacy and disposition

After producing four major works, Yacef Saadi chose to withdraw from film production. He donated the production equipment and material of Casbah Film to the ONCIC.