The book examines the war of images between France and Algeria.
Discussing the role of the United States during the war, it covers
topics such the presence of American reporters in Algeria, John F.
Kennedy's support for Algerian independence while a senator, the
broadcasting of documentaries on the Algerian war on public television,
and reporting in the press. Even half a century after Algerian
independence, there remains a need for both film and literature on the
war from both sides of the Mediterranean. This might seem surprising,
particularly to media professionals, given the quantity of output on the
subject, but both French and Algerian portrayals of the war remain
flawed and shackled to their respective ideologies.
The generation of FLN leaders recognized early on the importance of
images, and established a clandestine film structure that would bring
the Algerian cause to the world stage.
The book offers an insightful and timely contribution not just to the
field of North African studies but also to other disciplines, such as
film and media studies, anthropology, history, journalism, and political
science. Providing a rich source of research topics and viable ideas for
film and documentary projects, it is a must-read for students, scholars
and media professionals alike.