Présentation à Alger, du dernier film en date de Merzak Allouache, « Première ligne »
Film Review: "Première Ligne" by Merzak Allouache
"Première ligne," the latest film by Merzak Allouache, was recently screened at the Cinémathèque d’Alger, drawing a large audience eager to experience a unique blend of satire and social commentary. The film, which runs for 86 minutes, unfolds a story centered around two rival families in a popular neighborhood, competing for prime beachfront spots at the mythical El Djamila beach.
Plot Overview
Written and directed by Allouache, "Première ligne" presents a vivid portrayal of social dynamics, showcasing how favoritism and corruption permeate everyday life. The film’s two beach operators, portrayed expertly by Brahim Derris and Nabil Asli, offer better treatment to those who can afford to pay extra, creating an atmosphere of discreet competition.
The narrative focuses on Zohra Bouderbala, played by Fatiha Ouared, who arrives at the beach at dawn with her five children—Mehdi Sadi, Hawa Baya, Islem Baziz, Lylia Abdelouahab, and Soheib Guemroud—in hopes of securing a coveted spot by the sea. The rival family, led by Safia Kadouri (Bouchra Roy) and accompanied by her mother (Aida Kechoud), business-savvy husband (Hichem Mesbah), and children (Hanna Mansour, Anis Azoug), soon arrives and is installed right in front of the Bouderbala family by the corrupt beach operators.
The inevitable rivalry escalates, leading to confrontations between the families that even land them in a police station alongside the beach operators. Adding to the chaos is the arrival of Lounès (Idhir Benaïbouche), involved in a secret relationship with Zohra, which complicates matters further, especially with her husband Mokhtar (Kader Affak) being notified by the local imam.
Themes and Social Commentary
Allouache’s film dives into broader societal themes such as youth unemployment and women’s rights, urging an open-minded approach towards fellow citizens. The inclusion of notable characters like a supermarket owner (Hacène Benzerari) and the neighborhood imam (Rabie Ouadjaou) further enriches the film’s social tapestry.
Audience Engagement and Reception
After the screening, Allouache and the production team engaged in a fruitful dialogue with the audience, reflecting on the film’s themes and production challenges. The interactions highlighted the film’s resonance with contemporary Algerian society.
Film Festivals and Release Plans
"Première ligne," a collaboration between Algerian and French production, has already made its mark at various international film festivals, including its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (September 5-15, 2024), the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, and the Carthage Film Days in Tunisia, among others. Its upcoming release in 14 cinemas across Algeria is anticipated to occur after Aid El Adha, as confirmed by co-producer Amina Salem.
Conclusion
In summary, "Première ligne" presents a humorous yet poignant reflection on societal tensions, familial conflicts, and the nuances of human relationships within a competitive setting. Merzak Allouache’s adept storytelling and direction make this film a significant addition to the landscape of contemporary Algerian cinema, offering both entertainment and critical insight into pressing social issues.
