Private Project

Work in Progress : La Révolution d'Idir

In 2018, filmmaker Mourad Kalai embarked on a journey to document the making of a historic concert by Idir, the legendary Amazigh musician, marking his return to Algeria after 40 years of political exile. During this process, Kalai discovered a profound narrative of cultural resistance and universal freedom within Idir's life and music—an enduring legacy that transcended borders. However, tragedy struck when Kalai lost the original footage. For six years, the project seemed lost, until 2025, when Kalai, now convinced that technological advancements could offer a solution, found hope in artificial intelligence. With the power of AI, he believes the message can finally be restored and transmitted, enabling him to complete his mission as a filmmaker. The documentary now intertwines Idir’s fight for Amazigh identity with Kalai’s personal quest to preserve that legacy. It celebrates freedom, resilience, and the undying spirit of revolution that continues to inspire generations.

  • Mourad kalai
    Director
    Awama
  • Charaf Ledraa
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 29, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    180,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Algeria, France
  • Language:
    Arabic, English, French
  • Shooting Format:
    2k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Mourad kalai

Mourad Kalai is a Tunisian-born filmmaker with a background in cinema. He has directed and produced television shows, sitcoms, and commercials in the Maghreb, as well as a documentary mini-series in Canada. In 2021, Kalai’s short film *AWAMA* was selected in over thirty festivals worldwide, earning recognition for its compelling storytelling and cultural relevance. His current project, *"Work in Progress: The Revolution of Idir"*, honors the legacy of Idir and the fight for cultural recognition. Through his work, Kalai explores what it means to be human, delving into themes of identity, resilience, love, and the universal struggle for freedom.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In 2018, I had the privilege of working on a documentary about Idir, a legendary figure in Amazigh music, during his long-awaited return to the stage in Algeria after more than four decades. What began as a simple making-of for a concert quickly transformed into something much deeper. Idir's refusal to perform in his homeland for over 40 years was not a personal choice, but a powerful political act. His silence was a protest against the lack of recognition for the Amazigh people, their language, and culture.

Idir’s music, sung in Amazigh—an often marginalized language—became a vehicle for resistance. While many listeners couldn't understand the words, they felt the universal emotions of freedom, hope, and identity embedded in his melodies. "Amazigh" means "free man," and this spirit of freedom and defiance became the core of Idir's mission. His songs called for the preservation of a language and culture that had long been oppressed. Idir’s music was not just a cultural expression but a "soft revolution"—a revolution grounded in the lullabies of his childhood, peaceful but persistent.

Idir’s vision was shaped by the revolutionary movements of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the influence of figures like Che Guevara. He believed revolution was a *work in progress*, not a singular moment in history. Resistance, for Idir, was about fighting to preserve one’s identity and heritage in the face of external forces that sought to erase them. The true revolution, he believed, was not about grand gestures—it was about believing that our dreams can become a reality. This belief has shaped his life and his music.

Initially, the documentary was intended to be a simple behind-the-scenes look at his return concert. But as I learned more about his refusal to perform in Algeria and his commitment to preserving Amazigh culture, I realized this project was about much more. When I lost the original footage, I feared the film was gone forever. But I still have an early version—a *work in progress* with a watermark—and it is this version I now aim to restore.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), I plan to restore the lost footage, enhance its quality, and even reimagine some parts through animated sequences. These animations will bring to life interviews Idir shared, which were never fully captured. AI will allow me to complete the film in a way that pays homage to Idir's vision while expanding the narrative with technological innovation. The restoration process will not only be technical, but artistic, blending history with modern storytelling techniques.

One key element of Idir's music is its deeply personal connection to his childhood. His songs, often inspired by the lullabies of his youth, embody a quiet yet powerful revolution. Idir’s revolution wasn’t noisy or aggressive; it was an act of cultural resilience, where singing in a marginalized language became a form of peaceful defiance. His music transcended borders, and though his lyrics weren’t universally understood, the emotions resonated deeply with listeners around the world.

The film will not only focus on Idir’s journey but will also document my personal struggle to restore and complete the documentary. This process mirrors Idir’s fight to preserve Amazigh culture and highlights the importance of cultural survival. The film has grown from a tribute to Idir into my own form of resistance. Despite the setbacks, I believe that through innovation and perseverance, we can preserve what almost vanished.

I also plan to conduct interviews in France with people who personally knew Idir—musicians, artists, and cultural figures who shared in his journey. These interviews will offer insight into his influence on other revolutionary movements and his broader impact on global culture. This film, while deeply rooted in the Amazigh experience, is for anyone who believes in the preservation of minority cultures.

In today’s world, where global forces of mass production and automation threaten cultural identities, the preservation of heritage has never been more important. Idir’s message speaks to anyone fighting to preserve their heritage. Through this film, I aim to underscore that cultural preservation is not optional—it is a duty. Idir’s music, which embodies a quiet yet resilient revolution, reminds us that culture must be safeguarded, especially in an era of rapid technological change.

The true revolution lies not in grand gestures but in the belief that our dreams can become a reality. The loss of my original footage was a blow, I am determined to bring this project to life and honor Idir’s legacy. This film is not just a tribute to Idir; it is a mission to ensure that his messagelives on. It is a testament to the power of art as a tool that the fight for identity and freedom is ongoing.

The film will reach international audience, touching those who care about multiculturalism, freedom, and identity. Idir’s message is universal, transcending borders and languages. His music has connected people from all walks of life, and through this documentary, I hope to inspire others to fight for the preservation of their own cultures and identities. The true revolution, lies in believing that our dreams can become a reality, and this film is my dream .