The Repentant

By

Merzak Allouache

With: Adila Bendimerad, Khaled Benaissa, Nabil Asli

Algeria, region of the high flatlands. As Islamist groups continue to spread terror, Rashid, a young Jihadist, leaves the mountains to return to his village. In keeping with the law “of pardon and national harmony”, he has to surrender to the police and give up his weapon. he thus receives amnesty and becomes a “repenti”. But the law cannot erase his crimes and for Rachid it’s the beginning of a one-way journey of violence, secrets and manipulation.

Festivals & Awards

Quinzaine des réalisateurs Festival de Cannes 2012

MedFilmFestival Rome 2012 – Best Actress

Doha Tribeca Film Festival (Arab Film Competition: Narrative) – Best Narrative Film

Prix Label Europa Cinéma 2012

Festival d’Angoulême 2012 – Valois of the Best Actress for Adila Bendimerad & Best Actor for Khaled Benaissa

Chicago International Film Festival 2012 – Silver Hugo Special Prize

African Film Festival of Cordoba 2012 – Asfaan prize for Merzak Allouache’s works

Prishtina International Film Festival 2012 – Golden Goddess of Best Actor for Nabil Asli

Addis Adeba International Film Festival 2012 – Best Screenplay

Cairo International Film Festival 2012 – Isis prize of Best Actress for Adila Bendimerad

Scaborough Film Festival 2013 – Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for Mohamed Tayeb Laggoune

Press

Florence Alexandre - Les Piquantes

“The Repentant” is a beautifully made, deeply emotional drama that catches auds up in its troubled protags’ lives, all the way to a staggering finale.

Variety

Algeria’s troubled recent history makes Merzak Allouache’s story of a young Islamic terrorist of interest to anyone who follows the region.

Hollywood Reporter

Original title: Le Repenti

Production: JBA Productions

Nationality: Algeria - France

Year of production: 2012

Running time: 87'

Language: Arabic

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