Roqia
by Yanis Koussim
Logline
As violence intensifies in a city and the possessed speak in an unknown tongue, the disciple begins to fear the worst.
Synopsis
In 1993, after a car crash leaves Ahmed amnesiac, he returns to his village, where nothing feels familiar — not his wife, not his children. His youngest, frightened by Ahmed’s bandaged face, fears him deeply. Each night, strange visitors whisper litanies in an unknown tongue. Who are they? And why does his so-called friend, the neighbor, make him feel so uneasy?
In the present, an ageing Raqi battles Alzheimer’s. As possessed people speak in foreign tongues and violence rises, Ahmed fears regaining memory — while the disciple fears his master’s decline may unleash an ancient evil.
Details
Written & Directed
Yanis Koussim
Produced by
Farès Ladjimi (Supernova Films)
Co-produced by
In co-production with 19, Mulholland Drive Production
Cast
Ali Namous (Ahmed)
Akram Djeghim (Disciple)
Mostefa Djadjam (Raqi)
Hanaa Mansour (Waffa)
Lydia Hanni (Selma)
Abdelkrim Derradji (Abdelkrim)
With the friendly participation of Adila Bendimerad
Crew
Screenplay & Direction: Yanis Koussim
Director of Photography: Jean-Marie Delorme
Sound Engineer: Régis Boussin
Costume Designer: Jean-Marie Miretè
Production Designer: Saad Ouled Bachir
Editors: Sarah Zaanoun & Maxime Pozzi-Garcia
Festivals & Awards
2025
Settimana Internazionale della Critica – Venice 2025 – World Premiere
Fantasy Filmfest (Germany) – Fresh Blood Competition
Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival (Spain) – Noves Visions Competition
SLASH Fantastic FF (Austria) – Official Competition
Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bordeaux (FIFIB) – Official Competition



