Far from Men

Far from Men adapts Albert Camus’ The Guest, but while the events of the story occurred half a century ago, the absurdist themes in the face of political upheavals continue to resonate long after its publication. That’s because, as with many stories, Daru is called to make a choice. Here, in the Algerian War of Independence, Daru is tasked to take an Arab prisoner named Mohamed to the police in Tinguit. To do so means Mohamed’s death, but to refuse means to go against what is supposed to be his side. Keeping this moral dilemma intact while updating some key elements, this adaptation may erase some of the ambiguities that were in the original story. Doing so, however, grounds their journey with its political realities, helped by the knowledge of what the country has since transformed to. Far from Men understands the conflict Camus faced as a Frenchman born in Algeria, while demonstrating the futility of remaining neutral.

A French teacher in a small Algerian village during the Algerian War forms an unexpected bond with a dissident who is ordered to be turned in to the authorities.