The Desert Ark

Overview

The Desert Ark (L'Arche du Desert), a variation on Romeo and Juliet set in the Algerian desert. A young couple must face inevitable conflict when their rival families discover their secret love. Taking refuge in a cave, they listen to the sounds of a senseless campaign of violence and murder, which is the culmination of the extremism that has long divided their two communities. Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the 1997 Locarno Film Festival.

Directed by Mohamed Chouikh

Top cast

M

Myriam Aouffen

Myriam

A

Abdelkader Belmokadem

Wise Omar

H

Hacen Abdou

Amin

Hassan Kachach

Uncle

M

Messaouda Adami

Houria du Ksar

S

Shyraz Aliane

Cousine

A

Amin Chouikh

Child

H

Hamdou Djaballah

Musician

L

Lynda Fares

Myriam's aunt

R

Rachid Dahmane

A

Abdelrahim Bouzine

Musician

M

Mustapha Boudoya

Amin's friend

B

Bahous Bouhafs

Beggar

A

Ali Bensaïb

El Moutanabi

A

Abdelkrime Bencheikh

Amin's brother

S

Smain Allaoi

Details