The Algerian horror film “Roqia,” directed by Yanis Koussim, has been acquired by the French sales agency Alpha Violet. This film, set to make its debut at the Venice Film Festival during the International Critics’ Week, is garnering attention for its intense narrative and visually striking execution. With a focus on historical trauma, “Roqia” is shaping up to be a captivating addition to the festival’s lineup.
Acquisition by Alpha Violet
Alpha Violet, led by co-founders Virginie Devesa and Keiko Funato, has secured the rights to “Roqia.” The company was drawn to the film’s powerful portrayal of Algeria’s historical wounds, skillfully depicted through compelling mise-en-scène and haunting imagery. This acquisition highlights Alpha Violet’s commitment to supporting distinctive and thought-provoking cinema.
A Tale of Amnesia and Mystery
Set in 1993, “Roqia” follows Ahmed, a man suffering from amnesia after a car accident. Upon returning to his village, he encounters a life that feels disturbingly unfamiliar. Wrapped in bandages, Ahmed evokes fear in his youngest child while facing nightmarish nocturnal visitors who whisper in languages he cannot understand. These eerie encounters, coupled with unsettling interactions with a neighbor, create a tense atmosphere that permeates the film.
The Present-Day Struggle
In a parallel narrative, the film explores the life of an aging Raqi, a Muslim exorcist battling Alzheimer’s. His cognitive decline worries his disciple, especially as violence erupts and the possessed speak in unrecognizable tongues. The disciple’s growing fear mirrors Ahmed’s dread of rediscovering his past, as both stories intersect in a chilling exploration of memory and identity.
A Director’s Vision
Director Yanis Koussim draws from personal experience, stating, “I grew up during Algeria’s bloody 1990s, and the trauma and fear from that time still linger beneath the surface of daily life. With ‘Roqia,’ I use horror, grounded in realism and memory, as a tool to confront that past, preserve it, and ensure it is never forgotten.” This approach anchors the film in the complex realities of Algerian history, using the horror genre to engage with themes of trauma and memory.
Production and Collaborations
Produced by Farès Ladjimi for Supernova Films, in collaboration with 19 and Mulholland Drive Production, “Roqia” boasts a talented team. Jean-Marie Delorme’s work as director of photography and the editing expertise of Sarah Zaanoun and Maxime Pozzi-Garcia contribute to the film’s compelling visual style. Koussim’s previous projects, including award-winning short films and screenwriting contributions, further establish his reputation as a skilled filmmaker.
The anticipation surrounding “Roqia” emphasizes its potential impact at the Venice Film Festival, marking a significant moment for Algerian cinema on the international stage.
