Ben Boulaid speaks your language

The Algerian film Mostufa Ben Boulaid, directed by Ahmad Rachdi, is about an Algerian freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the liberation of his country.

The film, which is shown at DIFF, differs from other Algerian and Moroccan films in one main point — the language.

"We have used what we call the third language, which is a mix between the spoken Algerian version of Arabic, and classical Arabic," the film's star, Hassan Qashash, said.

And what difference did that make? "Arabic-speaking audience can understand the dialogue. Our Algerian accent is too difficult for other Arabic speakers, but by using this more understandable language, we made sure that the film could reach to more people," Qashash said.

One of the main obstacles facing Arabic cinema productions was the various accents spoken in different countries, with the Egyptian accent being best understood all over the Arab world.

"The film Ben Boulaid was a big success in Algeria because it told the story of a hero. Films about the Algerian liberation war never focussed on one person. They usually showed the heroic acts of the people. However, we need to be honest with ourselves and our history. We have to tell the unspoken stories of heroes who sacrificed for their country," Qashash said.

"As you see, we have Algerian films being shown at international festivals and Algerian directors honoured, so we are active and producing, and I am very happy that the film will be shown during DIFF," he added.