The Desert Ark
1998, Arabic. Directed by Mohamed Chouikh.
The Desert Ark (L'Arche du Desert), a variation on Romeo and Juliet set in the Algerian desert. A young couple must face inevitable conflict when their rival families discover their secret love. Taking refuge in a cave, they listen to the sounds of a senseless campaign of violence and murder, which is the culmination of the extremism that has long divided their two communities. Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the 1997 Locarno Film Festival.
- Runtime
- 1h 27m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Arabic
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Desert Ark
The Desert Ark isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online.
Free
KanopyAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 28 January 1998
- Original title
- L'Arche du Désert
- Country
- Algeria, Germany, France, Switzerland
- Written by
- Mohamed Chouikh, Djamila Benferhat
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News & fan talk
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The Desert Ark: quick answers
Is The Desert Ark worth watching?
The Desert Ark doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Desert Ark?
The Desert Ark runs 87 minutes (1h 27m).
Does The Desert Ark have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Desert Ark. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Desert Ark parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Desert Ark yet.
Which OTT platform is The Desert Ark on?
The Desert Ark isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Desert Ark?
If you liked The Desert Ark, try The Sheltering Sky, A Far Off Place, Young Black Stallion.
Who directed The Desert Ark?
The Desert Ark (1998) was directed by Mohamed Chouikh and stars Myriam Aouffen, Abdelkader Belmokadem, Hacen Abdou.