China Is Still Far Away

On November 1, 1954, two French teachers became the first civilian victims of Algeria’s war of independence. More than 50 years later, director Malek Bensmaïl films at the remote school where the couple taught. He captures the current generation of students from up close, observing them as they do their homework, talk in class and sneak a smoke. They also learn, though sometimes reluctantly, from their inspirational teachers. They don't only study the Algerian revolution, but they also take French: the language of the former colonizers, but still essential for anyone wanting to get by in Algeria. This mix of Algerian identity and colonial history is a recurring theme as Bensmaïl observes the everyday lives of several generations in the town of Ghassira, using the school as his focal point. He also films a commemoration of the 1954 attack. One of the shooters claims that the teachers' murder was "accidental"—the target was the governor. The film’s title is derived from a quote from the prophet Mohammed: "Seek knowledge, even as far as China."