Malek Bensmail
Malek BENSMAÏL (1966, Algeria) is an Algerian filmmaker renowned for his committed documentary work. Trained in cinema in Paris and St. Petersburg, his work explores memory, history and the political and social tensions of contemporary Algeria. For over two decades, his films have offered a demanding, sensitive look at Algerian society. Awarded at numerous international festivals, he is now one of the leading voices in Arab documentary filmmaking. With his latest film, The Arab, Malek Bensmaïl continues his artistic commitment to the two shores of the Mediterranean.
Filmography
Boudiaf, a hope assassinated (1999), Dêmokratia (2000), Holydays despite ill (2001), Algéria’s bloody year (2003), Alienations (2004), The Big Game (2005), China is still far (2010), Secret War of the FLN (2012), Check and Balances (2014), The Battle of Algiers; a film within history (2017), The Arab (2025)
More info: Wikipedia, Malek Bensmaïl
Malek Bensmail at IFFR
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The Arab
Malek Bensmail | 106' | Algeria | World premiere
The unnamed figure from Albert Camus’ L’étranger is reframed through the testimony of his ageing brother.