Cinema
Machaho
Belkacem Hadjadj · 1995
Synopsis
In the mountains of Kabylia, Arezki, a peasant, finds a half-dead young man, Larbi, under the snow. He brings him home, and his wife and daughter nurse him all winter. During his convalescence, Larbi begins a secret affair with the daughter; once recovered, he leaves, promising to return. A few months later, the father discovers that his daughter is pregnant. His whole life is then reduced to a single aim, to wash away the disgrace, and he leaves the house to look for the stranger. Larbi, for his part, returns to the village.
Context
The title takes up the formula with which old Kabyle women open their tales, machaho tellem chaho. It was shot on location, ninety minutes, two languages, with music by Idir, and Georges Lechaptois with Rachid Merabtine on camera. The state television and production companies joined a French company in it, at the moment when the state was ceasing to fund cinema and the country was entering the civil war. France only saw it in June 1996, and a two-hour version circulated in Milan.
Who it is for
An hour and a half, in Kabyle and Arabic, subtitled, easy to follow. It helps to know that everything is built like a tale, and that snow and silence weigh as much as words.
Prizes and reception
Golden Antigone and audience prize at Montpellier in 1995, young jury prize at Fribourg, three prizes at Milan, best actor at Fespaco in 1997.