An armed movement, an almost documentary-like, and inspired by real events

© Igor Film / Casbah Films

Inspired by real events, the film portrays the escalation of urban conflict in Algiers between 1954 and 1957, following an armed resistance movement fighting against French colonial rule.

Shot in black and white, The Battle of Algiers adopts an almost documentary-like style that heightens its sense of historical urgency. The film exposes both guerrilla strategy and the repressive methods used by French troopers, including torture.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Release date 1966

Running time 136 minutes

Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo

Written by Franco Solinas

Based of Souvenirs de la Bataille d'Alger by Saadi Yacef

Starring Jean Martin, Saadi Yacef, Brahim Hadjadj, and Tommaso Neri

Co-production Algeria and Italy

The film is available to stream on YouTube or MUBI — depending on your region.