Rachid Benhadj was born in Algiers (Algeria), he graduated in Architecture in Paris, and he
obtained a diploma in film direction from the Ecole de Cinéma.
He directed made several films and documentary films for the Algerian television.
1989 he directed his first full-length film, “LOUSS – Sand Rose” which was shortlisted at
Cannes Film Festival, and which won a number of international awards.
1993 his film “TOUCHIA – Canticle of the women of Algiers” was shortlisted at Venice Film
Festival, where it was favourably received both by the critics and the public.
1997 With Marco Bellocchio he coproduced “L’albero dei destini sospesi” for RAI (Radio
Televisione Italiana) which was presented at Venice Film Festival.
2000 he directed the internationally coproduced movie “MIRKA” starring the Academy Award
winner Vanessa Redgrave, Gerard Depardieu and Franco Nero, and which included in the cast
also the two Academy Award winners Vittorio Storaro and Gianni Quaranta.
2005 he directed the movie “FOR BREAD ALONE” starring Said Taghmaoui, Marzia
Tedeschi, Daniel Ducret.
2012 “PERFUMES OF ALGIERS” Monica Guerritore, Chafia Boudraa, Agoumi and
photography by Vittorio Storaro.
2016 “THE STAR OF ALGIERS” Cherif Azrou, Sofia Nouacer, Hacène Khechache.
2019 “MATARES” Dorian Yohoo – Anis Salhi – Hacène Kerkache.