Restored Version of Iconic Film “Chronicle of the Years of Fire” Premieres in Algiers
The restored version of the historic film Chronicle of the Years of Fire by late Algerian director Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina (1934–2025) was screened Thursday evening at the Algiers Opera House as part of a commemorative tribute marking 50 years since its Palme d’Or win at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, was attended by top officials including the President of the Council of the Nation, Mr. Azouz Nasri; Presidential Advisor Mr. Zohir Bouamama; Minister of Culture and Arts Mr. Zouhir Ballalou; Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders Mr. Laïd Rebiga; President of the National Economic, Social and Environmental Council Mr. Mohamed Boukhari; and President of the National Human Rights Council Mr. Abdelmadjid Zellalni.
On the occasion, the Minister of Culture announced the creation of the Lakhdar-Hamina Prize for Creativity, an annual award that will honor outstanding cinematic works in feature, short, and documentary categories, as well as recognize achievements in screenplay, acting, and directing.
Describing Hamina as “an exceptional figure who enriched the cultural scene with insightful and renewed visions,” the minister emphasized that the director “believed deeply in Algeria, which became his compass and guide.” He added that Hamina’s work “resides in the nation’s memory and conscience.”
The screening of the restored film, which lasted three hours, was made possible through funding from the Lucas Family Foundation and carried out under the African Film Heritage Project—an initiative by the World Cinema Project, the African Film Heritage Foundation, UNESCO, and the Bologna Cinematheque.
The restored version highlights the cinematic brilliance and poetic depth of Hamina’s vision. The film is a historical and political epic portraying the suffering of the Algerian people under French colonial rule, depicting their dispossession, family separation, and awakening of national consciousness.
The cast features iconic Algerian actors including Larbi Zekkal, Hassan Hassani, Sid Ali Kouiret, Keltoum, Nadia Talbi, Yahia Ben Mabrouk, Cheikh Nour Eddine, and Boualem Rais.
The event also included the screening of a short documentary produced by the late director’s family titled An Exceptional Man, followed by a poetry reading by artists Hassan Kachach and Mohamed Mahboub, featuring verses from Hamina’s films such as Chronicle of the Years of Fire and The Storm.
APS
