parkoursousinfluence

The risk with a film that revolves around a sport is to make a film about the sport. A pitfall to be avoided at all costs! Here, the "parkour" is seen as a prism through which we discover the current Algerian society

Throughout the film, the question is whether this is a drama or tragedy. In the first case, the protagonists overcome obstacles to achieve their goals despite the difficulties. The tragedy is this tower along the film, since the antagonists will fail to change the course of their lives. This is still a realistic view on social evils. Drug addiction is often fatal to people and their surroundings.

In the frame of action, indeed, the psychology of the characters is at the heart of the matter. The destinies mingle, still bound no matter what. It is a human frame on stage, in the heart of family and social rivalries. The viewer is plunged into a reality to which he belongs. He shall identify with the hero, take sides or await the outcome.

In the same order of proximity, only the main characters are played by professional actors. The other participants are not professionals, but trained on the ground a few weeks before the shooting. The method used is the same as the one that was used with the inhabitants of the favelas for the filming of The City of God.

For a full involvement of the spectator, ParkourSousInfluence is treated with the constant concern of realism. The film is a fiction, but it points the finger on social realities. The general atmosphere meets this criterion, so that the viewer is totally immersed in a daily events that could be his.

This choice is also  illustrated by the methods of shooting. The studio production design is deliberately excluded, to focus on authentic locations, after a careful scouting. Despite some obvious technical constraints, demanding the addition of lights, the original ambiance of the place will be safeguarded. The interiors will be in real apartments, local gyms ... The scenic integrity outweighs the artistic flourishes and stunts are real.

The story takes place in Algiers, Algeria…it shows Nassim, a young man whose dream is to teach the Parkour to youngsters. The Parkour became an increasingly famous urban sport which consists of going from a place to another the most rapidly and efficiently, by jumping from a roof to another, climbing walls etc.

When Nassim meets Anouar, he knows for sure that he found his perfect pupil. Anouar is 14 years-old, he lives in a very modest family with his loving sister Djazia, his father, and his older brother, Sofiane.

Sofiane is the local drug dealer. His activity is a source of open conflicts with his sister Djazia. The father suffers from diabetes and has no influence over his children’s behaviour.

This situation puts Anouar into a difficult situation, being in the middle of a permanent tension. His friendship with Nassim and their trainings give him a way out of his everyday life.

However, the older brother, Sofiane, is far from being happy with his younger brother’s new passion. According to Sofiane, Anouar must help him with his “business”. Sofiane warns Nassim to stay out of his family. A warning that Nassim has no intention to take into consideration.

Things get worse when Nassim accidentally meets Djazia and instantly falls in love with her.

Therefore, the conflict is inevitable between Sofiane and Nassim, and the ending uncertain.