The Take Another Take: Capturing Algeria’s fight for liberation
Jul 5, 2025
Mila Turajlić, a Belgrade-based documentary filmmaker known for her work on the Algerian Independence War, dives into the significance of hidden footage captured by Stevan Labudović. They discuss how this archival treasure countered French propaganda and inspired global anti-colonial movements. The conversation navigates the thin line between documentary and propaganda and highlights the power of solidarity in decolonization. Turajlić also reflects on the importance of media literacy in understanding political narratives and the rich legacy of cinematic witness.
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Labudović's Secret War Footage
- Stevan Labudović was Tito's personal cameraman sent to film the Algerian Liberation War.
- He spent three years secretly filming, capturing 83 kilometers of rare 35mm footage supporting Algerian independence.
Silenced by The Laval Decree
- French colonial rule forbade Algerians from filming themselves under the Laval Decree.
- This silence forced Algerians to rely on international solidarity for documenting their struggle.
Propaganda or Documentary?
- Labudović embraced his role as a propagandist, crafting images for political narratives.
- Film footage should be read critically as constructed narratives, not objective historical proof.