The Repentant (Le Repenti)
Katara Cinema
/ Feature Narrative / Algeria, France / 2012 / Colour
In Arabic / English subtitles
N/A
Rated: Parental guidance is advised. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.
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Synopsis
Following the success of the fourth annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival, DFI continues to bring the best in quality cinema from around the globe to Doha audiences. Katara DFI Cinema continues in December with the launch of a new screening series, ‘Arab Voices’, celebrating the diversity of Arab culture by featuring contemporary films from the leading cinematic voices in the MENA region. Arab Voices launches with the two major award winners from DTFF 2012, Best Narrative Film, ‘The Repentant’ and Best Documentary Film, The ‘Lebanese Rocket Society’.
Algerian director Merzak Allouache’s award-winning ‘The Repentant’ digs deep into Algeria’s ‘black decade’ for a close look at the lingering effects of extremism and the nation’s recent civil war. When the government enacts a law that provides amnesty to rebels who lay down their arms, Rashid, a jihadist fighter, leaves his hideout in the mountains, rejects violence and returns home. He gets a job at a café and begins to reintegrate into society, but when a pharmacist acquaintance asks Rashid to reveal secrets about his family, his life takes an unforgettable and emotional turn. A precise narrative style and distinguished performances from the cast allow Allouache to place viewers at the heart of this engaging and deeply touching story. The film appeared at the second edition of the Arab Spring Film Festival in Paris in September, and was selected for the Directors’ Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival this year.