Mahfoud is a young teacher at a technical school in Algiers. Using his technical and computer skills, he refurbishes an old weaving loom that he intends to present at an international inventors’ conference in Germany. However, his travel plans are thwarted by administrative obstacles. Meanwhile, his neighbors keep a close eye on him, especially the elderly M’nouar, marked by the terrible memories of the Algerian War. He sees everything and everyone with suspicion. As far as he is concerned, Mahfoud has no good intentions—he may even be involved in subversive activities. Naturally, it does not help that Mahfoud is in a relationship with Samia, a young psychiatrist who has returned to the country after studying in Belgium. She challenges local norms and breaks taboos that unsettle those around her. In the end, Mahfoud manages to obtain a visa to attend the international fair. His invention wins a prize, and when he returns home, he receives a very different kind of welcome.
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Cast
8 people
Sid Ali Kouiret
Also in
Opium and the Stick
The Ambassadors
Nadia Kaci
Known for
Papicha
It All Starts Today
Kamel Rouini
Also in
Women's Expectations
Lotfi
Amid Chakir
Also in
Brussels by Night
Crazy Love
Larbi Zekkal
Known for
The Battle of Algiers
Outside the Law
Mohamed Adjaimi
Also in
The Last Passenger
Rachid Bahia
Athman Bendaoud
Also in
Gates of the Sun
Banat Al Mahrousa
Kamal Dehane Director · Stéphane Cabel Writer Emmanuel Bourdieu Writer
First release October 11, 2004 · Produced in Algeria, Belgium · Languages Arabic, French
Production
Saga Film
Production
Commissariat de l'Année de l'Algérie en France
Production
Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel de la FWB
Production
Algeria · Belgium
Produced in
Languages
Original language
Arabic
Spoken on screen
Arabic · French
Release dates
France · October 11, 2004
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
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