Algiers – Hocine Bousaleh
Krim Belkacem
Algiers – Hocine Bousaleh
The filming of Krim Belkacem kicked off Sunday at the Ben Aknoun zoo in the Algerian capital. The film is directed by Ahmed Rachedi and produced by the ministry of the Mujahidin which will tackle the life of the hero and struggler
Krim Belkacem , who is considered one of the most prominent faces of the liberation revolution.
The Minister of the Mujahidin Mohamed Cherif Abbas has given the signal for the launch of the first shooting of the film on Krim Belkacem, known as the Lion of Djurdjura. He clarified in his statement that Algeria plans a chronicle about the history of cinema and will show its heroes of the November revolution and the 50th anniversary of independence which was the best occasion to honour those who sacrificed their lives for Algeria.
ARFilm Télécinex will oversee the executive production of the film. Journalist Boukhalfa Amazit wrote the script aided by Mujahid Major Ezzedine (Si Rabah Zerari) and director Ahmed Rachedi. The film sheds light on the most important phase of Belkacem's life starting from his struggle in the People’s Movement to his effective role in sparking the revolution in November 1954. It also recounts his leadership of the Suommam Congress on 20 august 1956 and shows his expertise and manoeuvre that were highlighted during the Evian agreements prior to the declaration of Algerian independence.
Ahmed Rachedi’s technical and acting crews are expected to take 12 weeks in the shooting of the film scenes which would move between Algiers and the tribal area where he was leader of the third province around the time of the revolution. Some scenes will be shot in Tunis, Cairo, and Switzerland.
Rachedi said: “We worked in gathering the largest possible amount of information so take the film closer to the hero’s life despite the very few references we found. After finishing Ben-Boulaid, we are working on completing Krim Belkacem’s film."
Script writer and journalist Boukhalfa Amazit stated that in selecting information and investigating them he relied on the hero’s family as well as people closely associated with him during the revolution. Boukhalfa said the focus of the work of art will be on Belkacem’s genius whether in his revolutionary work or in the diplomatic side where he was remarkably superior.
Belkacem’s role will be played by actor Sami Allam while Ben-Boulaid will be played by actor Hassane Kashash. Actor Ahmed Razaq will play the part of late Colonel Amar Ouamrane, Krim Belkacem’s companion of struggle at the third province- the tribal region.
Rachedi directed several cinema works on the liberation revolution like the al-Afioun wa al-Asa film based on the novel by Mouloud Mammeri, and Assad al-Awras on the life of hero Mostefa Ben-Boulaid. Ahmed is expected to finish the film on Colonel Lotfi after completing Belkacem’s film.