The exhibition 'A way of surviving, a way of life… ' in Abu Dhabi showcases the groundbreaking film practice of Zineb Sedira (b. 1963, Paris, France) spanning from 2002 to 2022.

Born in France to Algerian parents, Sedira’s work delves into themes of identity, culture, and resistance, deeply rooted in her personal narrative and addressing broader global issues of cultural emancipation and diaspora. Her films explore the complexities of migration, memory, and the transmission of knowledge across generations.

The exhibition features four significant films from different stages of Sedira’s career, each reflecting key themes in her practice, such as the interplay between memory transfer and the lived experiences of belonging and displacement. Sedira’s work emphasizes narrative formation and the concept of the ‘archive,’ both philosophically and tangibly.

Sedira’s practice is characterized by a delicate personal and political intensity, reflecting her experiences as a woman with a complex cultural heritage spanning Algeria, France, and Great Britain. Her exploration of memory’s fragility and its transmission across time and space is central to her work.

A significant aspect of Sedira’s approach is her use of archival research and oral histories. Her films often blend official histories with personal and family stories, creating polyphonic narratives that intertwine fact and fiction. Sedira’s films are internationally recognized for their intimate storytelling and powerful examination of identity, culture, and resistance.

They stand as a testament to cinema’s ability to challenge and reinterpret official narratives, offering profound insights on both personal and political levels.

Curatorial: Reem Fadda and Noor Al Mehairbi

Artist Galleries: Mennour, Paris Goodman Gallery, London Selma Feriani Gallery, Tunis

Artist Studio: Arter, Venice Tiphaine Marquet Lucie Gautrain Damien Bailly