L'arche du désert

L'ARCHE DU DESERT or The Desert Ark uses the biblical Noah's Ark as a metaphor against the warring tribes, disputes, family honour, religious dictates and traditional factions apparent in the Muslim desert communities of Algeria. A dispute arises between a nomadic tribe and the townsfolk over two lovers, each from different tribes.

The girl has been promised in an arranged marriage to another but falls instead for another boy. Family honour must be satisfied. The narrative at times is difficult to follow. Some of the characters are played tongue in cheek. The director attempts to show the perspective from all sides and express the futility of such ancient customs in a modern age. At best the film gives an inside look on a hidden society - the Muslim faithful against the heathen Tuaregs, each having their own views on how society is structured and the law upheld. In what seems to be a convoluted and fractured narrative throughout, the closing scene somehow brings all the viewers questions to a conclusion. Beautiful desert landscapes and colourful backdrops make this well worth viewing.