Screening on 16 September at 6:15 followed by Q&A with director Salem Brahimi at ICA, London as part of Safar Film Festival. You can buy your tickets HERE 

‘Let them Come’, France/Algeria, 2015, directed by Salem Brahimi

Review by Martin Daltry

The Safar Film Festival running at the ICA in London this week is a celebration of contemporary Arab cinema and provides an all too rare chance to watch a powerful new Algerian film in the UK.

‘Let Them Come’ is a first feature by Salem Brahimi, set during Algeria’s dark decade in the 1990s and based on Arezki Mellal’s novel. It is a period not often discussed nor portrayed when 200,000 people were killed in a devastating and opaque conflict which targeted everyone, young and old, secular and religious. You could just as easily die for wearing or not wearing a veil.

The story focuses on a secular young couple, Noureddine and Yasmina, caught up in personal, economic and social crises, increasing tension as Islamic militancy grows and then real fear as terrorism takes hold. It is a fascinating snapshot of Algeria’s diverse culture and society, urban and country life in this time of extreme duress. There are strong lead performances from Amazigh Kateb and Rachida Brakni and the direction is clean and unsparing.

Actress Rachida Brakni will join a Q&A with the Director Salem Brahimi and Festival Curator Rasha Salti for the audience following the film on Friday 16 September at 6:15 at ICA, London. You can book your tickets and check Safar’s full programme here.

The Safar Film Festival is organised by the Arab British Centre in partnership with ICA, London and supported by the British Council, Corinthia Hotel and Zaytoun.  

About Martin Daltry:

Martin Daltry is the Regional Manager East Asia & Americas at British Council and Ex-Director of British Council Algeria. He has worked for 18 years in cultural relations in Algeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Egypt & UK. @MartinDaltry