The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting
1983, French. Directed by Assia Djebar.
“La Zerda and the songs of oblivion” (1982) is one of only two films made by the Algerian novelist Assia Djebar, with “La Nouba des femmes du mont Chenoua” (1977). Powerful poetic essay based on archives, in which Assia Djebar – in collaboration with the poet Malek Alloula and the composer Ahmed Essyad – deconstructs the French colonial propaganda of the Pathé-Gaumont newsreels from 1912 to 1942, to reveal the signs of revolt among the subjugated North African population. Through the reassembly of these propaganda images, Djebar recovers the history of the Zerda ceremonies, suggesting that the power and mysticism of this tradition were obliterated and erased by the predatory voyeurism of the colonial gaze. This very gaze is thus subverted and a hidden tradition of resistance and struggle is revealed, against any exoticizing and orientalist temptation.
- Runtime
- 0h 57m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- French
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 27 February 1983.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 27 February 1983
- Original title
- La Zerda ou les chants de l'oubli
- Country
- Algeria
- Written by
- Assia Djebar, Malek Alloula
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The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting: quick answers
Is The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting worth watching?
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How long is The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting runs 57 minutes (0h 57m).
Does The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting yet.
Which OTT platform is The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting on?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 27 February 1983. (Checked 14 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting?
If you liked The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting, try Four Daughters, Lumière & Company, Van Gogh: Painted with Words.
Who directed The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting?
The Zerda or the Songs of Forgetting (1983) was directed by Assia Djebar.