Hackesche Höfe Kino, Berlin, Germany
18 Feb 2015
AfricAvenir presents the German Premiere: « L’Oranais » (The Man from Oran, ENSUB) by Lyes Salem.
During the first euphoric years following the independence of Algeria, two close friends, Djaffar and Hamid, face a promising future. Over the decades, however, secrets and betrayal drive them apart. Six years after helming Masquerade, Lyès Salem presents a haunting political drama laced with the agony and angst of men and women who lived through the Algerian Revolution. Corruption in political life, falsification of historical facts and personal loss as well frustration brought about by arrogance and thirst for power are all dealt with remarkable lucidity and conviction. Above all, the movie enumerates through Djaffar’s life (an excellent performance by Salem) how tragic separations, breakdown of families, small sacrifices and strong selfish desires change the tone and tenor of a society.
Interspersed with the heartrending stories of revolutionaries and their unimaginable sacrifices, Salem’s latest film is also visually arresting with each frame magnificently composed.
The screening will be followed by an open discussion with Naoual Belakhdar (tbc) as well as a small reception in the cinema foyer.
Financially supported by Brot für die Welt (EED) and Yedd e.V. In cooperation with Yedd e.V. and the Algerian Community of Berlin.
Media Partners: Africiné, SEV-Magazin, Zentrum Moderner Orient, Club der Freunde von RFI, Berlin Poche, rendez-vous-cine.de, Exberliner, multicult.fm, Art Labour Archives, Planète Métis, Contemporary &, Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland and ALFilm
Renowned actor and film director Lyès Salem (p. 53) has won a number of awards and the César for Best Short Film in 2005 for Cousins. His debut feature Masquerades (2009) represented Algeria at the Oscars and was nominated for the Best First Film César.
Production Details:
El Wahrani / L’Oranais / The Man from Oran
D: Lyès Salem, Algeria / France, 2014, Feature Narrative, 128 min. | French & Arabic with English Subtitles, DCP
Cast: Lyès Salem, Boukefa Abdullah, Khaled Benaissa, Djemel Barek, Amal Kateb
Screenwriter: Lyès Salem
Cinematographer: Pierre Cottereau
Sound: Pierre André, Gwennolé Le Borgne
Editor: Florence Ricard
Music: Mathias Duplessy
Producer: Isabelle Madelaine (DHARAMSALA)
18 February 2015, 8pm
Hackesche Höfe Kino
Rosenthaler Straße 40/41
10178 Berlin
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