نهلة
Nahla (1979)
NAHLA (1979)
Set against the complex historical backdrop of Lebanon, following the Battle of Kfar Shuba in 1975 and at the outset of the Civil War, Algerian filmmaker Farouk Beloufa paints a vivid portrait of Beirut. The nostalgic and mesmerising voice of Nahla, acted by Yasmine Khlat, fills rooms animated by political debates and a plurality of opinions. Following an Algerian journalist who has recently arrived in Beirut, the film captures the journey of his investigation and the burgeoning friendships he forms. Beloufa centres on the perspectives and opinions of Maha, played by Lina Tabbara, who is committed to journalism and Nabila Zitouni, who plays the role of a Palestinian activist, Hind. Portraying the ecosystem centred around Nahla, the collapse of the singer’s career and loss of hope echo a social climate of tension. Through complex characters, Nahla enacts with nuance the emotional turmoil of this historical moment in the Arab world. — EMMA BOURABA
Country of Origin: Algeria
Run Time: 1h 51m
Language: Arabic
Rank in the list: 53rd
Genre(s): Drama
Synopsis
After the battle of Kfar Chouba in Lebanon, January 1975, Larbi Nasri, a young Algerian journalist, is swept into the turmoil leading up to the civil war. Connected to Maha, Hind, Raouf, and Michel—who all revolve around Nahla—he witnesses the making of the singer’s myth, a figure adored by the Arab public. But when Nahla suddenly loses her voice on stage, the crisis surrounding her spreads like an infection. Captivated and unsettled, Larbi himself begins to lose his footing and sinks deeper into the chaos.
Notable Cast and Crew
Farouk Beloufa
Director
Yasmine Khlat
Cast (Nahla)
Lina Tebbara
Cast (Maha)
Nabila Zeitouni
Cast (Hind)
