Rediscovering Mohamed Zinet : a unique Algerian artist
The story of a fighter and activist
Mohamed Amokrane Zinet, more commonly known as Mohamed Zinet, was born in the Casbah of Algiers. This city, which nurtured his childhood, has remained at the heart of his artistic inspiration. Having taken part in the Algerian War of Independence in the ranks of the FLN, he then turned to the theater, where he began with plays such as Kateb Yacine's Le Cadavre encerclé. His theatrical career continued in France and Germany with Jean-Marie Serreau's troupe.
His first feature film, Tahia ya didou! (Algiers insolite), made in 1971, is an emblematic work. Initially commissioned as a short tourist film by the Algiers town council, Zinet turned this project into a celebration of the city of Algiers, its people and their struggle for independence. The film, with no traditional narrative or dialogue, is presented as a kind of “symphonic film”. Although long considered lost, it was finally rediscovered in poor condition in the cellars of the Cinémathèque d'Alger, and is now considered a national film treasure.
The creation of “Tahia ya didou!” changed Zinet's life and destiny. The film, though revolutionary, cost Zinet his career in Algeria. His unconventional approach and outspokenness brought him criticism and professional obstacles, forcing him to move to France. Yet time has made “Tahia ya didou!” a major work by Zinet, testifying to his bold artistic vision and his commitment to representing the true essence of his native country.
A career marked by powerful roles
Mohamed Zinet is also known for his roles in various French films of the 1970s. His performance in Yves Boisset's Dupont Lajoie (1975) is particularly memorable. Zinet played the immigrant who came to avenge his brother, making him an emblematic figure of anti-racist cinema. The film, which denounced ordinary racism in France, was a great success, despite tensions and threats during the shooting. In 1974, while shooting Dupont Lajoie, Zinet was attacked by four men, resulting in his hospitalization and withdrawal from the set. This tragic event underlines the challenges he faced because of his origin and artistic choices in a highly polarized society.
Zinet's work is eclectic. In addition to Tahia ya didou! and Dupont Lajoie, he appeared in several other notable films :
- René Vautier's Les Ajoncs (1970)
- Les Trois Cousins (1970) by René Vautier
- Le Bougnoul (1975) by Daniel Moosmann
- La Vie devant soi (1977) by Moshe Mizrahi
- Le Coup de sirocco (1978) by Alexandre Arcady
- Robert et Robert (1978) by Claude Lelouch
In Le Bougnoul, Zinet played the lead role of Mehdi Ben Chraïdi, a film which, despite its clumsy script, remains an acerbic critique of racism in France.
In 1978, he appeared in Claude Zidi's Les Sous-doués, playing Mustapha, a role that further demonstrated his versatility and talent for silent film-inspired pantomime.
Rehabilitating the memory of a major cinema figure
The French Cinémathèque recently put the spotlight on Zinet's work with a special program. This retrospective enabled us to rediscover his contributions and understand the depth of his artistic commitment. Mohamed Latrèche's documentary Zinet, Alger, le bonheur (2023) looks back on his life and work.
As the years go by, Mohamed Zinet remains a fascinating, inspiring and emblematic figure in the history of Algerian and French cinema. His ability to navigate between the roles of actor, director and activist, while confronting the challenges of his time, makes him a role model for an entire generation. It is by viewing his films, particularly through the eyes of the present, that we realize the richness and complexity of the cultural identities between Algeria and France.
Mohamed Zinet was an actor and director whose works and activist commitments left a lasting imprint on cinema and society. He used his talent to fight racism and stereotypes, notably in films such as Dupont Lajoie and
Le Bougnoul. In collaboration with militant filmmakers such as René Vautier, he defended the rights of immigrants and highlighted their precariousness and resilience. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin, Zinet believed in art as a means of struggle and liberation, using visual beauty and pantomime to express profound ideas.
His legacy is that of a visionary artist and passionate activist, whose commitment to social justice and freedom of expression continues to inspire.
Sources :
https://www.cinematheque.fr/cycle/mohamed-zinet-1263.html
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Zinet
http://www.africine.org/index.php/personne/mohamed-zinet/7244
