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

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France, Algeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia   89 min.   1.85:1   Algerian Arabic   1st feature film

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