Pan-Arab distributor Mad Solutions has acquired world rights to Algerian multi-hyphenate Chakib Taleb Bendiab’s upcoming thriller “Algiers” that delves into the local phenomenon ofchild abduction.
The film is set against the backdrop of collective scars left by the country’s 1992-2002 civil war, known as the Black Decade.
“Algiers” is the first feature by Bendiab, a writer/director and composer whose short “Black Spirits” – an African Samurai tale set in the Tunisian Sahara performed by French and Japanese actors – made a splash on the fest circuit.
In “Algiers” the kidnapping of a young girl creates tension and suspicion in the Algerian capital. only Dounia, a brilliant psychiatrist, and Sami, a police inspector, can unearth the demons of the past,” reads the film’s official synopsis.
“Algiers,” which is now in post, will be distributed theatrically throughout the Arab world via Mad Distribution, while Mad World, the company’s newly established international sales arm, will be handling sales to distributors in the rest of the world.
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“The disappearance of children is a problem that has significantly impacted Algeria in recent years, reigniting the sense of vulnerability from the Black Decade,” said Bendiab in his director’s statement.
“The film’s characters are all reminded of this as they are left to fend for themselves,” he added, noting that the ensuing “the police investigation reveals the post-traumatic state of Algerian society.”
“Algiers,” which is written and directed by Bendiab, features an ensemble cast comprising Meriem Medjkane (“Abou Leila”); Nabil Asli (“El Taaib”); Chahrazad Kracheni; Hichem Mesbah; Slimane Benouari and Ali Namous.
The film is produced by Khaled Chikhi and Yasmine Dhoukar, with Canadian filmmaker Patricia Chica (“Montreal Girls) serving as executive producer.
“The team and I are very excited to join forces with Mad Solutions to introduce ‘Algiers’ to audiences worldwide,” Patricia Chica said in the statement. She added that “Bendiab has crafted a film that strikes an original balance between cultural relevance, commercial appeal, and women’s empowerment” and called the film “both accessible and artistically rich, making it a strong contender for top-tier festival selections.”
Commented Mad Solutions’s two co-founders, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab: “‘Algiers’ is a tremendous honor for our company. We are deeply committed to shedding light on the complex social issues facing Arab societies through impactful and thought-provoking cinematic works.”
