Daughter of Keltoum (2001)
A haunting journey of identity and belonging set against the stark, sun-scorched terrain of rural Algeria.
Daughter of Keltoum - Movie Information
- Original Title: La Fille de Keltoum
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Mehdi Charef
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 10, 2002 (France)
- Alternative Titles: بنت كلتوم
- Production Companies: Cinétévé, ARTE France Cinéma, France 2 Cinéma, Canal+ Horizons, To Do Today Productions, RTBF
- Production Countries: Belgium, France, Tunisia
Daughter of Keltoum - Plot
A 19 year-old Swiss woman travels to her birthplace—an isolated, barren Berber settlement in the mountainous desert landscape of Algeria—to find her biological mother, whom she has never met. The perilous journey immerses her in a world virtually untouched by contemporary society, one that still clings to tribal mores and strict religious codes of conduct.
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Daughter of Keltoum - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mehdi Charef
Main Cast
- Cylia Malki
- Baya Belal
- Jean-Roger Milo
- Fatima Ben Saïdane
- Déborah Lamy
- Mostefa Zerguine
- Lotfi Yahya Jedidi
- Samira Draa
Writers
- Mehdi Charef
Producers
- Fabienne Servan Schreiber
Daughter of Keltoum - FAQs
Where can you stream Daughter of Keltoum?
Daughter of Keltoum is available to stream for free on Fawesome in the United States. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming platforms and viewing options available in your region, you can check JustWatch, which tracks current availability across multiple services.
What is Daughter of Keltoum about?
The film follows a 19-year-old Swiss woman who travels to an isolated Berber settlement in the Algerian desert to find the biological mother she has never met. Her journey immerses her in a world bound by tribal customs and strict religious codes, far removed from contemporary life.
Who directed Daughter of Keltoum?
Daughter of Keltoum was directed and written by Mehdi Charef, an Algerian-French filmmaker known for his socially engaged cinema. Charef drew on themes of identity, displacement, and cultural belonging that have defined much of his body of work.
Who are the main actors in Daughter of Keltoum?
The film stars Cylia Malki as Rallia, the young Swiss woman searching for her roots, alongside Baya Belal, Jean-Roger Milo, Fatima Ben Saïdane, Déborah Lamy, Mostefa Zerguine, Lotfi Yahya Jedidi, and Samira Draa in supporting roles.
Is Daughter of Keltoum based on a true story?
Daughter of Keltoum is not based on a specific true story. It is an original drama written by director Mehdi Charef, though it draws authentically on the cultural realities of rural Algeria, Berber traditions, and the broader social tensions of the Algerian civil war era.
When was Daughter of Keltoum released?
Daughter of Keltoum was released in France on April 10, 2002. The film is a co-production between Belgium, France, and Tunisia, and was produced with support from broadcasters and film funds including ARTE France Cinéma and France 2 Cinéma.
What language is Daughter of Keltoum spoken in?
The film is primarily in French and Arabic. The original language of the production is French, though Arabic is also spoken throughout, reflecting the linguistic reality of the Algerian setting and the cultural divide at the heart of the story.
What are films similar to Daughter of Keltoum?
Viewers who enjoyed Daughter of Keltoum may also appreciate Far from Men (2015), DNA (2020), Baya's Mountain (1997), The Forgotten Hill (1996), and The Charcoal Maker (1973), all of which explore North African landscapes, identity, and cultural heritage in compelling dramatic contexts.
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