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The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua

Writer and filmmaker Assia Djebar explores Algerian history, the psychological impact of war, and post-colonial female identity in this 1979 classic of film literature. Named for (and taking its structure from) a traditional song with five distinct movements, the film combines documentary-style observation with loose narrative form to tell the story of Lila, an Algerian expatriate returning to her country 15 years after independence has been won. In comparing her life with the lives and experiences of rural Algeriennes, Lila is able to put her childhood demons to rest and discover a new history -- one written in the ongoing strength of generations of women. Like much of Djebar's writing, the film has a strong subtext dealing with resistance to patriarchy and women's desire to appropriate the means of power and expression -- one of which, of course, is the filmmaker's camera.

The Nouba of the Women of Mount Chenoua

6.6 1978
Ratapan Anak Tiri

Because she violated the doctor’s order to not get pregnant again, Yuwono’s wife finally dies while she is pregnant with her third child. Yuwono then marries an office staff, Ningsih. Harun, another co-worker who also loves Ningsih, tries to destroy Yuwono by tampering with the office’s financial report so that Yuwono is arrested and is investigated. Harun then influences Ningsih, regarding her standing as a stepmother, so that Yuwono’s house is taken over and the stepchildren, Netty and Susy, are treated harshly. The two children run away from home, looking for their father, and are separated for a time. When Yuwono is proven innocent and is released, he does not find his children at home and goes around Jakarta to look for them. He finally finds them again.

Ratapan Anak Tiri

NR 1973
The War Widow

Originally broadcast by KCET (PBS) on their dramatic showcase series, "Visions," this sweet, quiet film is set during World War I. It is the story of Amy, a proper, but lonely housewife whose husband is away at war. She finds solace in a friendship with a more worldly female photographer, only to have her entire world turned upside down when the friendship becomes genuine love and she is forced to choose. Groundbreaking for its powerful yet non-prurient portrayal of lesbian first love.

The War Widow

6.1 1976