Malika

Malika is the central figure in Hassen Ferhani's documentary "143, Rue Du Désert," released in 2019. Nestled in the heart of the Algerian desert, she operates a small refreshment bar from her white house, welcoming truck drivers, wanderers, and dreamers seeking a moment of respite with a coffee, cigarette, or eggs. At 74 years old, Malika embodies resilience and mystery, living on the edge of the Trans-Saharan road, which stretches over 2,000 kilometers from Algiers to Tamanrasset.

Her life took an intriguing turn when Ferhani, accompanied by journalist Chawki Amari, visited her while scouting for the documentary. Amari's own narrative, "Nationale 1," had initially portrayed a fictionalized version of Malika, but Ferhani's interaction with her revealed the depth of her character and her unexpected charm in an environment often inhospitable to humanity. Though she appears enigmatic, with hints suggesting she hails from Algeria's more fertile north, her life in the desert is marked by companionship with a dog and a cat.

Throughout the film, Ferhani captures the essence of Malika's world within her modest 20m² home, showcasing the vivid tapestry of Algerian society that passes through her bar. From truckers to tourists, each visitor leaves an impression that Malika effortlessly distills into her sharp observations. The documentary not only highlights her daily life but also evokes the rich narratives of the desert, intertwining reality with the poetic elements of Malika's existence.