Algeria is one of the least known countries on our planet. It’s a country of contrasting landscapes – of mountains, sea and sand – made up of a multitude of Berber tribes and long-standing cultural traditions. An unexcavated gem, Algeria unravels a jewel of delights.

In the capital of Algiers, local  Algerois Djihad Mahamdi visits a unique Ottoman brassware shop and  tours the Tuareg-inspired Cathedral of Sacre Coeur while fellow guide, Nehad Benz explores the Ottoman-refined Casbah which is awash with pretty fountains, sumptuous palaces  and antique ceramics workshops.

A day trip to Tipasa gives us glimpses of a wealthy Roman life in North Africa and further afield we explore the spectacular Roman site of Timgad, known as North Africa’s  Pompei .

In Oran, resident Zaki Souffi visits the home of the city’s most eminent émigré, Yves Saint Laurent whose clothes were inspired by the colourful robes of the native North African Berbers.. He also tours the old Beys Palace.

In the Sahara, we tour the berber castles of Timimoun and the circular Mozabite cities of the Mzab valley, rekowned for their unique mosques and mud buildings. We learn about Berber carpet making crafts and visit the Toureg markets of Tamanrasset before experiencing the extraordinary volcanic desert landscapes and mountains of the Ahoggar.

Credits

Narrator:

Kate Comer

With Thanks To:

Algerian National Tourism Office

Development Et De La Promotion Des Arts Du Ministere De La Culture D’Algerie

Embassy Of Algeria, UK

Algerian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs

Musée d’Alger

Capterre

Ahmed Bey Palace

The Museum Of Modern & Contemporary Art, Algiers

 “ArT4u” Gallery, Algiers

Archive:

Critical Past

Pond5

Skycam

Contributors:

Amel Soltani

Amor Guellil

Alia Assio Hodji

Djihad Mahamdi

Ferriel Gassimi

Khaled Meghnine

Nehad Benz

Nedjar Hocine

Rahmen Belleili

Zaki Souffi

Interpreter:

Maria Ventura

Titles and graphics:

Simon Ross

Fixer:

Amina Castaing

Camera:

Emilio Rey Soto

Salem Amina

Zemouchi Abdelchafi

Drone Operator:

Emilio Rey Soto

Zemouchi Abdelchafi

Facilities:

Guiltfree Post

Dubbing Mixer:

John Purcell

Editor:

Helen Walker

Online Editor:

Danny Davis

Music By:

Paul Mounsey

Amanda Kramer

Colin Winston-Fletcher

Malcom Laws and Nainita Desai

Martyn Swain

Michael Conn

The Sheiks

Post Production Coordinator:

Emilia Crudo

Jake Michael Christian

Production Accountant:

Win Win

Production Manager:

Maria Ventura

Edit Director:

Ian Cross

Produced and Directed by Ian Sciacaluga

Executive Producer:

Ian Cross

produced by Pilot Film and TV Productions

Pilot Productions MMXXI