Film guide 2022
The Last Queen
A queen’s struggle at the meeting point of Algerian history and legend.
- Original title
- La Dernière Reine
- Director
- Adila BendimeradDamien Ounouri
- Year
- 2022
Editorial profile. Availability on LAREINE TV has not been confirmed.
Story, without spoilers
Algiers, 1516. The arrival of the corsair Aroudj Barbarossa changes the city’s balance of power. Queen Zaphira faces a struggle over her own future and the fate of the kingdom.
Context & recognition
Adila Bendimerad and Damien Ounouri place a woman at the centre of this historical fiction. They acknowledge that Zaphira’s existence is disputed. The film was selected for Giornate degli Autori in Venice in 2022.
Main characters & cast
Queen Zaphira
Adila Bendimerad
The central queen, portrayed as Salim Toumi’s second wife.
Aroudj Barbarossa
Dali Benssalah
The corsair who challenges the existing order.
King Salim Toumi
Mohamed Tahar Zaoui
The ruler of Algiers.
Queen Chegga
Imen Noel
The first queen, with influential family connections.
