3 films of Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, the only African winner of the "Golden Palm Branch"

For which film did he receive the top award at the Cannes Film Festival? And why did this director go down in history?

Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina passed away on May 23, the very day his main film, "Chronicle of the Years of Fire," was shown in Cannes. A coincidence that sounds like a scene from his own movie: a bit of symbolism, a bit of fate, and entirely a story.

An Algerian with a European cinematic language, a poet in the world of political cinema, and a chronicler of the colonial rupture. Lakhdar-Hamina didn't make many films, but each of his works can be considered a serious contribution to world cinema.

A smiling man in a hat and jacket looks at the camera against a black background — Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina

Here are three works with which to start acquainting yourself with the Algerian master.

"Chronicle of the Years of Fire" (1975) / "Chronique des années de braise"

Starring: Yorgo Voyagis, Hassan El Amir

IMDb Rating: 7.3

The film that made history—not just as a director but as the only African winner of the Palme d'Or in the history of Cannes. It's an epic tale of resistance, uprising, freedom, and everything that lies behind these words.

A man and a woman in white clothing look at each other next to soldiers — Scene from the film 'Chronicle of the Years of Fire'

At the center is a character named Ahmed, who journeys from being a simple peasant to an active participant in the war for independence. But "Chronicle" is not just about heroism. The film explores the origins of the resistance movement and depicts the brutality of French colonial rule.

"The Winds of the Aures" (1967) / "Rih al awras"

Starring: Keltoum, Mohamed Chouikh, Omar Tayare

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Everything here is much quieter, yet no less terrifying. During the French occupation, a peasant woman loses her husband, and soon her only son is taken by soldiers. This begins her journey: from camp to camp, through the mountains, with a couple of chickens under her arm and only one desire—to find her child.

A woman with her head covered stands behind an iron mesh and looks in the direction — A scene from the film 'The Winds of the Aures'

Lakhdar-Hamina turns this journey into an almost mythical odyssey, avoiding any pathos. It is a film about maternal love, stronger than fear, poverty, and war. One of the first road movies in Algerian cinema.

"Decembre" (1973) / "Décembre"

Starring: Michel Auclair, Julien Guiomar

IMDb Rating: 5.9

And finally, "Decembre." The plot follows one of the resistance leaders who ends up in the hands of the French army. He is tortured, but the camera does not show any scenes of violence. Only faces. Only sounds. Only what remains off-screen—and hits harder than any visual shock.

A man with handcuffs on his hands stands surrounded by soldiers at a table — Scene from the film 'Decembre'

The film is inspired by the fate of the director's father. There are no slogans here—only an ethical clash. And as a viewer, you find yourself caught between two fires—between orders and conscience.

Lakhadar Hamina made only a few films, but each one is like an open wound. And in this pain, there was something honest, something very human. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com talked about the films of the 78th Cannes Film Festival winner Jafar Panahi.