Algerian Thriller ‘Algiers’ Makes⁢ Waves in Quebec

A gripping thriller hailing from Algeria is captivating ‍audiences in Quebec. “Algiers,” the debut feature film by director Chakib Taleb-Bendiab, stars ‍Nabil Asli and delves into a tense inquiry set against the backdrop of a society grappling with reconstruction.

The film, originally titled “196 meters/Algiers,” explores sensitive issues prevalent⁢ in the Algerian capital, including child abduction and pedophilia. taleb-Bendiab aims too present these realities with nuance and depth.

Director Immersed Team in Real Police Work

To ensure authenticity, the production team immersed themselves in the daily routines of police officers. “We ⁢worked a lot with police officers,” Asli told *Le Devoir*, a Quebec newspaper. “We were in infiltration, in immersion with a real ‘brigade of minors.’ so we rubbed ⁣shoulders with real inspectors, we saw interrogations, etc.It helped the actors a lot.”

Asli, a well-known figure on Algerian screens who has resided ⁢in Quebec for three years, portrays Inspector Sami. He describes the character as⁤ complex and flawed, yet dedicated to his work. “It is complex and has faults. He is stubborn, but at the same time,⁣ he likes his work and he‍ wants to do things to⁣ the end,” Asli said. “Chakib and I worked a lot on this character,as we wanted him to be natural… We wanted to approach a subtle portrait and the reality of the police officers.”

Algiers Itself Plays⁢ a Starring Role

Alongside Asli and Meriem Medjkane, who plays the psychiatrist, the city of Algiers ⁤takes center stage. The⁣ film was shot entirely in Algiers, ⁢offering a rare and authentic portrayal of the capital.

Taleb-Bendiab emphasized the importance of Algerians telling their⁢ own stories. “The film⁢ speaks to the Algerians as it is ⁢indeed told by ourselves,” he said. “When you tell your story for yourself, you don’t⁢ delegate it to someone else, everything goes.” He hopes to revitalize Algerian cinema and draw audiences back to theaters with relatable and well-made films.

“I used the city as a surveyor of the Algerian society,” Taleb-Bendiab said, noting Algiers’ history of colonization, decolonization, wars, and civil conflict. He shared this during an interview with Radio-Canada Ohdio.

Low budget,⁤ Universal Message

Made with a budget of less than $500,000, “algiers” has garnered praise for its script, sound design, and direction.The ‍film enjoyed an 18-week ⁤run in Algerian⁤ cinemas and has been screened at numerous international film festivals, including events⁤ in‍ Rhode Island, spain, Austria, Switzerland,⁢ Egypt, and Tunisia.

The film was Algeria’s entry for best‍ international feature film at the Oscars. Taleb-Bendiab ⁣said the film received “3 minutes of standing ovation” when presented in Abitibi, Quebec.

The film’s universal message about collective memory and the‍ resilience of a people scarred by civil war resonates with audiences. Taleb-bendiab said he aimed to avoid both overly positive and negative portrayals, focusing instead on how people confront their history and trauma.

Writer Sarah-Louise Pelletier-Morin described the film as a “beautiful tribute‍ to the forgotten on the sidelines‍ of history.”