The Citadel (Al-qalaa)

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Drama

This grim drama reflects the inequity and hypocrisy of polygamous Arabs and their attitudes towards women. Sidi (Djillali Ain-Tedeles) oppresses his three wives to the point where one is so depressed she considers suicide. He beats his adoptive son Kaddour (Khaied Barkat) when the boy shows romantic sentimentality towards a married woman.

Sidi then seduces the same woman while Kaddour performs magic to win the woman's love. Sidi and his pals spend carefree days while the women cook and weave, clad in veils that cover their entire bodies. Sidi declares he will give up his wives if he does not marry off Kaddour within a day.

Kaddour is forced to go through an elaborate ceremony that humiliates him in front of the entire village and leads to tragedy.