Malek Bensmaïl


Malek Bensmaïl is an Algerian film director, screenwriter, cinematographer and film producer.

Biography

Born in 1966 in Constantine, Algeria, Bensmaïl graduated in cinematography from the École supérieure d'études cinématographiques, Paris, in 1990, and did an internship with Lenfilm production company in Saint Petersburg.

Filmography

Bensmaïl's films include:
YearFilmGenreRoleDuration
1990Roumanie, l'après CeaucescuSociopolitical documentary on Romania after the fall of Ceaușescu in 1989Director
1999Boudiaf, un espoir assassinéPolitical documentary portrait of the assassinated Algerian politician Mohamed BoudiafCo-director with Noël Zurich58 m
1999TerritoirePolitical documentary short on the violence in the history of Algeria, inspired by Jacques BerqueDirector, screenwriter, and producer28 m
2001Des vacances, malgré tout / Despite all holidaysDocumentaryDirector and screenwriter70 m
2001DémokratiaPolitical fiction shortDirector and screenwriter17 m
2004AliénationsDocumentary on everyday life in a psychiatric hospitalDirector, screenwriter and cinematographer105 m
2008La Chine est encore loin / China Is Still Far AwayHistorical documentary on an Algerian village 54 years after the War of IndependenceDirector and screenwriter120 m
2013OdysseysFiction comedyDirector, screenwriter and producer110 m
2015Contre-Pouvoirs / Checks and BalancesPolitical documentary on the Algerian daily El WatanDirector, screenwriter, producer, and cinematographer97 m
2017La Bataille d'Alger, un film dans l'Histoire / The Battle of Algiers: a Film Within HistoryHistorical documentary on the movie The Battle of Algiers by Gillo PontecorvoDirector, screenwriter and producer117 m
2021Toute l'Algérie du mondeDocumentary on Algeria's recent historyDirector53 m

Awards

Bensmaïl's films obtained four prizes and eight nominations, including:
FilmFestivalAward
Des vacances, malgré tout / Despite all holidays Cinéma du Réel, Paris2001 Heritage Award
Aliénations Cinéma du Réel, Paris2004 Libraries Award
La Chine est encore loin / China Is Still Far Away Three Continents Festival, Nantes2008 Special Jury Award
La Chine est encore loin / China Is Still Far Away Filmfest München 2009 Documentary Film Award of the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation and Telepool

Videos

  • . Aliénations. Video duration 1h 42m 38s. Uploader imineo Documentaires, 2021. Entire film, voice-over in French.
  • . Video duration 53m 18s. Uploader R. Ourrad, 2023. Entire film, voice-over in French.
  • . Video duration 5m 2s. Uploader BFM Alsace, 2010. Bensmail explains his documentary China Is Still Far Away in French.