Compiled by Anealla Safdar

‘The Kid with a Bike’ (‘Le Gamin au Vélo’) makes its MENA premiere tomorrow at Katara Drama Theatre.

The film, winner of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival Grand Jury Prize and Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, comes to Doha as part of the Katara DFI cinema showcase.

Written and directed by Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, the deeply moving drama follows a troubled pre-adolescent in his search for family and friendship.

The adept Belgian actress Cécile de France (‘Hereafter’, ‘Around the World in 80 Days’) gives another striking performance. Thomas Doret, who plays Cyril the ‘Kid’, is captivating in what was his first role.

Katara Drama Theatre

Here are some snippets from prominent critics:

Empire:
Raw but compassionate, naturalistic but compelling. If you’re looking to get into the Dardennes, this is a great place to start.

The Hollywood Reporter:
In his first screen role, the remarkable Doret bristles with anger and flailing determination; this wiry, ginger-haired kid conveys a desperation that is shattering.

New Yorker:
It offers something changelessly rare and difficult: a credible portrait of goodness.

Roger Ebert for the Chicago Reader:
The film is only 87 minutes long, lean and efficient, intent on Cyril. It doesn’t ‘explain’ him, because he is all there to be seen

Salon:
Whether or not you’ve ever heard of the Dardennes or their cinematic excursions into the social underbelly of Belgium’s third-largest city, ‘The Kid with a Bike’ is an edge-of-your-seat emotional roller-coaster ride, set among ordinary people in a nondescript neighbourhood.

Variety:
Belgium’s Dardenne brothers make movies that remind you the most compelling stories are unfolding right outside your window, rather than in outer space, the distant past or wherever cinema usually takes us.

For tickets, visit the official box office in Building 26, Katara Cultural Village or Katara Drama theatre. You can also book online.

The film is in French, with Arabic and English subtitles.