The Arab

Directed by Malek Bensmaïl

Algeria

2026

106 mins

Unclassified 15+

Albert Camus' classic 1942 novel The Stranger is reworked through an expansive postcolonial lens by renowned Algerian filmmaker Malek Bensmaïl. Rotterdam Film Festival 2026.

The first narrative feature by Algerian documentary filmmaker Bensmaïl is based on Kamel Daoud’s acclaimed 2013 novel The Meursault Investigation, which revisits The Stranger through the eyes of its Algerian characters. The tale begins in 1996, at the height of the Algerian Civil War. Journalist Kamel meets Maroun, an old man who claims Camus' story was true and he is the brother of the unnamed Arab killed by French man Meursault. A captivating mix of murder mystery, historical drama and family confessional unfolds as flashbacks bring Maroun's life story to light. A splendid cast includes Palestinian great Hiam Abbass (Marcia Roy in Succession; Palestine 36, SFF 2026) as Haroun's domineering mother.

“Offers a sharp reflection on identity, storytelling and the ways nations remember their past.”

Vanja Kaludjeric, International Film Festival Rotterdam

“This symbolic tale of post-revolution Algeria is a powerful update to Camus.”

Travis Jeppesen, Sight & Sound

“The interplay between past and present, edited by Matthieu Bretaud and Julia Grégory, deepens the film’s emotional and political resonance.”

Rino Lu, High on Films

“Offers a sharp reflection on identity, storytelling and the ways nations remember their past.”

Vanja Kaludjeric, International Film Festival Rotterdam

Tickets

Thu 4 June 2026, 8:45pm

Dendy Newtown - Cinema 2

Mon 8 June 2026, 7pm

Event Cinemas George Street - Cinema 11

Event George St - Cinema 11

See more, save more with a Flexipass or Youth Pass

Program Strand
Features
Year
2026
Classification
Unclassified 15+
Country
Algeria, France
Language
In Algerian Arabic, French and Spanish with English subtitles
Director
Malek Bensmaïl
Producer
Hachemi Zertal, Fred Prémel
Cast
Ahmed Benaissa, Hiam Abbas, Dali Benssalah
Screenwriter
Jacques Fieschi, Malek Bensmaïl
Cinematographer
Gilles Porte, Lionel Jan Kerguistel
Editor
Matthieu Bretaud, Julia Grégory
Composer
Nicolas Rabaeus
Genre
War, Africa, History, Thriller & Crime, Middle East
Premiere
Australian Premiere
Company Credits
Festival Contact: Hachemi Zertal
Official Website
Visit

Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

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