The Desert Ark
L'Arche du Désert
Synopsis
The Desert Ark (L'Arche du Desert), a variation on Romeo and Juliet set in the Algerian desert. A young couple must face inevitable conflict when their rival families discover their secret love. Taking refuge in a cave, they listen to the sounds of a senseless campaign of violence and murder, which is the culmination of the extremism that has long divided their two communities. Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the 1997 Locarno Film Festival.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Myriam Aouffen
Myriam
Abdelkader Belmokadem
Wise Omar
Hacen Abdou
Amin
Hassan Kachach
Uncle
Messaouda Adami
Houria du Ksar
Shyraz Aliane
Cousine
Amin Chouikh
Child
Hamdou Djaballah
Musician
Lynda Fares
Myriam's aunt
Rachid Dahmane
Abdelrahim Bouzine
Musician
Mustapha Boudoya
Amin's friend
Bahous Bouhafs
Beggar
Ali Bensaïb
El Moutanabi
Abdelkrime Bencheikh
Amin's brother
Smain Allaoi
Release History & Theatrical Window
Locarno Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Mohamed Chouikh
- Screenplay & Story
- Mohamed Chouikh, Djamila Benferhat
- Original Score
- Philippe Arthuys, Mohamed Guechoud
- Original Title
- L'Arche du Désert
- Country of Origin
- Algeria, Germany, France, Switzerland
- Spoken Languages
- Arabic
- Runtime
- 1h 27m
- Production Studios
- CNC
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Mohamed Chouikh
Mohamed Chouikh, Djamila Benferhat
Philippe Arthuys, Mohamed Guechoud
Mustafa Ben Mihoub
Yamina Bachir-Chouikh
Rachid Diguer, Sandrine Vernet, Nadjet Taibouni
Department Leadership Roster
Zola Lamaini
Costume Design
Yamina Bachir-Chouikh
Editor
Mohamed Chouikh
Writer
Rachid Diguer
Producer
Djamila Benferhat
Writer
Sandrine Vernet
Producer
Nadjet Taibouni
Producer
Mohamed Chouikh
Director
Mustafa Ben Mihoub
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Desert Ark.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Desert Ark
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Desert Ark about?
The Desert Ark (L'Arche du Desert), a variation on Romeo and Juliet set in the Algerian desert. A young couple must face inevitable conflict when their rival families discover their secret love. Taking refuge in a cave, they listen to the sounds of a senseless campaign of violence and murder, which is the culmination of the extremism that has long divided their two communities. Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the 1997 Locarno Film Festival.
Who directed The Desert Ark?
The Desert Ark was directed by Mohamed Chouikh.
Who stars in The Desert Ark?
The principal cast of The Desert Ark includes Myriam Aouffen, Abdelkader Belmokadem, Hacen Abdou, Hassan Kachach, Messaouda Adami.
When was The Desert Ark released and how long is it?
The Desert Ark was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 27m.
Who composed the musical score for The Desert Ark?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Desert Ark was composed by Philippe Arthuys, Mohamed Guechoud.