Avant Seriana Before Seriana: A Dual Portrait of Reality and Imagination

Some films feel like they exist in two worlds at once. Avant Seriana Before Seriana, directed by Samy Benammar, is one of those rare films. Set in Algeria’s Aurès region, it intertwines the rugged reality of its mountains with an imagined realm shaped by colonial stories. At just 19 minutes, this film manages to convey a depth and beauty that left me pondering the landscapes we inherit—both physical and cultural.

A Visual and Emotional Journey

The first thing that drew me into Avant Seriana Before Seriana was its breathtaking cinematography. The Aurès region, with its rugged mountains and unyielding terrain, is as much a character as the people who live there. Benammar captures the textures of this landscape so vividly that I could almost feel the sun on my face and the rocks under my feet.

This focus on place reminded me of Small Hours of the Night, where Daniel Hui used minimalist visuals to heighten the emotional weight of his story. Similarly, Benammar’s lens captures the stark beauty of the Aurès while weaving in the dreamlike quality of its imagined counterpart. The result is a film that feels grounded yet ethereal.

Layers of Reality and Myth

At its core, Avant Seriana Before Seriana explores the tension between reality and the stories imposed upon it. The film reflects on how colonial narratives shape our understanding of a place and its people. Watching it, I couldn’t help but think of A Fidai Film, where archival fragments are reclaimed to tell a truer story.

Here, Benammar challenges viewers to question what they know about the Aurès. Is it the unyielding land seen on screen, or the imagined realm born from colonial myths? The film doesn’t offer easy answers, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

For context on the Aurès region and its significance, this article on Algeria’s colonial history provides helpful insights.

Why You Should Watch Avant Seriana Before Seriana

At just 19 minutes, this film packs an emotional punch. It’s not only a visual treat but also a thoughtful meditation on place, identity, and the power of stories. As someone who loves films that make me think, I appreciated how Benammar used every second of the runtime to create a layered, immersive experience.

If you’ve enjoyed films like The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, which celebrates Afro-Caribbean identity while confronting colonial legacies, or A Fidai Film, which reclaims visual history, Avant Seriana Before Seriana will resonate with you. It’s a reminder that landscapes are never just physical—they’re shaped by the stories we tell about them.