Montreal-based distributor K-Films Amérique has acquired Canadian rights to Algerian multi-hyphenate Chakib Taleb Bendiab’s upcoming thriller “Algiers” that delves into the local phenomenon ofchild abduction.
‘Algiers,’ which will go by the title ‘196 métres’ in France, is set to have its theatrical release in movie theatres in Québec in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a statement.
K-Films Amérique is an indie distributor which services the Canadian province of Quebec where French is the official language.
The Canada deal for ‘Algiers’ was negotiated at the Cannes Marché du Film by the film’s Canadian executive producer Patricia Chica of Flirt Films and K-Films Amérique Louis Dussault.
As previously announced, “Algiers,” which is now in post, will be distributed theatrically throughout the Arab world by Cairo-based Mad Distribution.
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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 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.
It 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.
The film is produced by Khaled Chikhi and Yasmine Dhoukar, with Chica (“Montreal Girls) as executive producer.
“I’m very happy and proud to present our film ‘Algiers’ in Canada, a great country that has always known how to assimilate and welcome all cultures,” Bendiab commented in the statement.
“Our lead actor Nabil Asli joins me in inviting the Algerian community, of course, but especially all lovers of a different kind of cinema, to come and discover it,” he added.
