Director

Djaffar Gacem

Born 1966 · Algiers, Algeria

Djaffar Gacem (Arabic: جعفر قاسم‎), born September 18, 1966, is an Algerian director, screenwriter and producer (sometimes credited under the names Djaâfar Gacem, Djaâfer Gacem). He created his own production company: SD BOX (2007 to 2013) then Prod’art Films (since 2013). He stands out for directing popular television series, notably broadcast during the month of Ramadan, where his unique style mixes humor and social satire. Djaffar Gacem is appreciated for his ability to capture the daily life of Algerians and to treat local subjects with authenticity and sensitivity such as the successful series Nass Mleh City, Sultan Ashour 10, etc. His productions, often comedies but also dramas, have had a lasting impact on the Algerian audience, as with the film “Héliopolis” (2021), his first feature film. The film selected to represent Algeria at the Cinema Oscars in the category of best international feature film will ultimately not be in competition, the COVID pandemic having prevented its commercial screening in theaters (then closed) of the film for at least a week in the country of origin, as required by the criteria of AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences). He received the Best Director Prize at the Fennec d'Or Festival 2006 and 2008 (Algeria), and in 2024, the Honorary Prize at the Dzair Creative Ad Awards.