Algerian Filmmaker Merzak Allouche’s “Front Row” Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
DUBAI: Algerian filmmaker Merzak Allouche’s family dramedy “Front Row,” supported by the Red Sea Fund, made its debut this week at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.
Allouche’s 19th feature film delves into the story of two strong-willed matriarchs, Zohra Bouderbala and Safia Kadouri, whose day at the beach takes an unexpected turn. Zohra, accompanied by her five children, stakes out an early claim on a prime spot on the beach. However, tensions flare when the Kadouri family, directed by a beach attendant, is placed directly in front of them.
As the families engage in a passive-aggressive battle for dominance, a subtle teenage romance blossoms in the backdrop, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.
The star-studded cast includes Fatiha Ouared as Bouderbala, Bouchra Roy as Kadouri, and Nabil Asli as Hakim, the beach attendant.