Interview with Merzak Allouache

Abstract

The interview transcribed below took place on 30 April 2005 and is part of a conversation that I had with Merzak Allouache over several days. Our discussions centred on the topics of Islam, politics and sexuality in his films, but the segment of the interview reproduced for this publication focuses on censorship in Algeria. In my introductory comments I argue that there are several contradictions that permeate Allouache's interpretation of censorship in Algeria. He explains that, in the past, political imperatives were imposed on artistic production, but that the content of his films was never affected. The current repression of free speech and expression is completely passed over in silence in this interview. The implementation of a new image of ‘openness’, according to Allouache, is not a coercive or repressive measure and his films continue to elude official repression. Allouache continues to be one of the most innovative Algerian filmmakers, producing films that touch the most sensitive nerves running through Algerian society.