143 Sahara Street

In her small shop, in the vast Algerian Sahara desert, Malika offers her guests a place to rest, eat, and, most of all, a listening ear. Chauffeurs, musicians and unintelligible tourists, Malika listens to all their stories. Portrait of a warm and charming woman and the beauty of Algeria’s landscape.

Malika’s modest way of living stands in stark contrast to the modern world that enters her life. Next to her shop, a new gas station which houses a restaurant will arise. Passers-by advice her to leave or to expand, but Malika refuses to listen. She’s satisfied with what she’s got.

Director Hassen Ferhani portrays the encounters between Malika and her guests at a pleasantly chattering pace. The film contains some deadpan comic scenes, but is above all moving, in all its simplicity.