In The Name Of Safia
Fall Grants 2023 - Production Stage
Safia Kessas / Feature Documentary / Algeria, Belgium, France, Qatar / 90 min / Original Language: French / Interests: Documentary
Synopsis
An unfinished interview with my father, Tayeb Kessas, in February 2019, just before his death, left questions unanswered. In this exchange, the shadow of another Safia, my aunt, reappeared. The circumstances of her death during the Algerian War of Independence remain extremely unclear. Her disappearance is shrouded in mystery. Using this fragment of family history, which I carry on my identity card, I set out to follow in the footsteps of this other Safia, to retrace the story of a woman forgotten because of the things left unsaid, the shame and, above all, the erasure of memory. Following the hidden paths of my own family history is also a way of encountering history. To follow in Safia’s footsteps is, first and foremost, to discover or rediscover a history that is taught little or not at all.
Credits
- Director
- Safia Kessas
- Screenwriter
- Safia Kessas
- Producer
- Isabelle Truc, Camille Laemné
- Production Company
- Iota Production, Les Films d'ici
About the Director
Safia Kessas is a trained political scientist and expert in disarmament. She left the offices of the ministries to work as a filmmaker. She’s the author of many creative documentaries highlighting social issues and giving voice to minorities, such as ‘Prix de la déraison’ (2019), which followed the three-year reintegration journey of an ex-jihadist. Safia is a creator whose works blend cinematic and direct styles. She has been shortlisted and awarded in many festivals like Berlin’s Prix Europa and Melbourne Film Festival. Her film, ‘La voie d’Henriette’ (2021), was included in the Short Film Corner selection at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
Contacts
-
Main Contact
Isabelle Truc
- Company:
- Iota production
- Phone:
- +3223446531
- Email:
- natacha@iotaproduction.com