Based on Jaouad Mdidech's renowned account, The Black Chamber is a powerful reconstitution of and reflection on the horror of what Moroccans have termed the "Leaden Years," when the government enforced a virile oppression of political dissenters, especially targeting the left-leaning student movements and political parties. Kamal's past as a Marxist activist during his student years is enough cause for the security agencies to detain him at one of Casablanca's most notorious jails. Although no longer an activist, Kamal refuses to give in to his tormentors and endures the harsh verdict. In Arabic with English subtitles.

by Hassan Benjelloun. Morocco, 2004, 112 min, 35 mm

Cast: Mohamed Nadif, Hanane Ibrahimi, Abdellah Amrani, Souad Sabir, Fatima Ouchay, Omar Canbot, Abdel Malek Akhmis, Omar Essayed, Salah Eddine Benmoussa, Driss Roukhe, Said Bey

Writers: Hassan Benjelloun, Jaouad Mdidech
Producer: Bentaqerla Production
Cinematographer: Kamal Derkaoui
Editor: Emmanuel Faure
Sound: Philipe Baudhium
Music: Younes Megri


Festivals / Awards:
Cannes Film Festival, 2004
Special Jury Award, Carthage Film Festival, 2004
Cairo Film Festival, 2004
Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou: Silver Stallion of Yennenga, 2005

Print Source:
Hassan Benjelloun
Bentaqerla Production
52, rue de l'Unité Settat, Maroc
T: + 212 61 18 97 31



A Bentaqerla production.
International sales: Bentaqerla Films, Casablanca.

Produced, directed, written by Hassan Benjelloun,
inspired by "La chambre noire, ou Derb Moulay Chrif" by Jaouad Mdidech.
Camera (color, widescreen), Kamal Derkaoui;
editor, Emmanuel Faure;
music, Younes Megri;
production/costume designer, Adriano Pirani.

Original title: La chambre noire.
Arabic, French and Berber dialogue. Running time: 115 MIN.

With: Mohamed Nadif, Hanane Ibrahimi, Abdelmalek Akhmis,...