Watch Daughter of Keltoum

Daughter of Keltoum is a touching drama directed by actress and director, Mehdi Charef. The movie, released in 2001, tells the story of a young woman, Ryma, who leaves her home in Switzerland to travel to Algeria in search of her biological mother, Keltoum, whom she has never met. Ryma, who is played by Cylia Malki, was left by her birth mother at a young age, and although she was raised by a loving Swiss family who adopted her, she has always felt a void in her life, a sense of not belonging.

As she sets out on her journey, Ryma must navigate both physical obstacles and emotional baggage. She is met with resistance from her adoptive parents, who are against the idea of her seeking out Keltoum, as well as religious and cultural barriers in Algeria, where she is not accepted as a true Algerian due to her Swiss upbringing. However, she is also met with kindness and support from strangers she meets along the way, including a young woman named Lila (Baya Belal) who becomes her guide and friend.

Despite the challenges, Ryma persists on her journey, and as she travels deeper into Algeria, she discovers more about her past and her cultural heritage. She learns about the Berber people, her mother's tribe, and the customs and traditions that define them. Through her interactions with different people, she also learns about the complexity of identity, and how it can be shaped by both nature and nurture, as well as the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning images of the Algerian landscape and the Berber people. The music, composed by Safy Boutella, adds a layer of emotion and depth to the story, capturing the spirit of both Ryma's journey and the country she is exploring. The acting is also superb, with Malki delivering a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Ryma, and Belal bringing warmth and humor to her role as Lila.

At its core, Daughter of Keltoum is a meditation on identity, family, and love. It is a deeply human story that explores the complexities of the human experience, and the power of connection and understanding to heal past wounds. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, and one that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.