The company
Libre Image is an independent production, co-production and distribution company, based in Kouba, Algiers, since 2010.
The company
It produces documentaries and fiction, and releases films in cinemas. Its purpose, from the first day, has been to give filmmakers a platform to explore society, youth, history, migration, the environment and women's rights. The catalogue holds that line, film after film.
Boualem Ziani
A lawyer by training and the son of a moudjahid, he is a producer, distributor, former journalist, director and festival organiser. He lives and works in Algiers, where he runs Libre Image and takes part in the debate on the revival of Algerian cinema.
His career began in print journalism, continued for nine years at national television up to editor in chief, then turned to production in 2003. That grounding in reporting, writing and images still shapes how he produces. He is now working on colonial trauma and carrying seven projects, from short fiction to documentary series.
The career
Print journalism
Staff writer and national desk editor at several Algerian daily newspapers.
National television
Reporter then editor in chief at ENTV. Nine years in the field that shaped a producer's eye.
SORA Production
Founding partner and manager. First films produced, directed and distributed.
Libre Image
The company is founded. An independent production and co-production house, open to filmmakers who want to work on Algerian society.
Positions and commitments
- President of the Algerian Film Producers Association
- Member of the professional card commission
- Member of the joint Algerian-French commission
- Founder of Nextdoc, a workshop for emerging producers
- Member of the Algerian Distributors Coordination
Festivals founded
- First European Film Festival in Algeria
- First Francophone Film Festival of Algiers
Directing
Alongside producing, Boualem Ziani has directed for several channels.
- Portrait series for Al Jazeera Child and Al Jazeera Documentary
- A 26-minute portrait series for Al Hurra
- Short films for TV5 and other broadcasters
Training
- Cannes Film Festival workshops, 2009 and 2014
- DocMed, Beirut, 2015
On bringing audiences back
To bring audiences back into cinemas, the essential thing is to offer an immersive experience they cannot reproduce at home.