A CONTROVERSIAL film that has long been banned in France is to be shown in Margate.

Gollo Pontercorvo’s The Battle of Algiers tells the story of the battle for independence in Algeria in the 1960s against the French colonialists.

It was made with the help and participation of fighters from the Algerian National Liberation Front and won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.

The film has been shown in the Pentagon by the US military as an example of what America might expect in Iraq.

The film showing is being organised by the Thanet branch of the Respect Party.

The film will be shown at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 16 at the Old Pharmacy Gallery in Market Square.