IMDb 6.7 1998 HD

The Kid from Chaaba

The Kid from Chaaba

1998
Drama
96 min NR France
6.1 / 10
6.7 IMDB

Le Gone du Chaâba (The Kid of the Chaaba), translated into English as Shantytown Kid by Naima Wolf, is an autobiographical novel by Azouz Begag about his life…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Christophe Ruggia
Starring
Bouzid Negnoug / Mohamed Fellag / Nabil Ghalem / Galamelah Lagra / Kenza Bouanika / Amina Medjoubi / Lounès Tazairt / François Morel

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

poignant authentic insightful challenging resonant cultural identity personal coming-of-age understated moving honest

Reviews

P
Penelope Davies
May 13, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'The Kid from Chaaba' is a beautifully rendered exploration of childhood within the crucible of cultural division. Drawing from Azouz Begag's autobiographical work, the film captures the essence of growing up Algerian in a French shantytown with immense…

O
Oliver Hayes
May 13, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This adaptation of Azouz Begag's novel, 'The Kid from Chaaba', offers a compelling look at a young Algerian boy's life in a French shantytown. The film successfully conveys the themes of cultural clash and identity struggle, presenting a…

I
Isobel Croft
May 13, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A truly affecting piece of cinema, 'The Kid from Chaaba' is a testament to the power of personal narrative. The film masterfully adapts Azouz Begag's novel, immersing the viewer in the vibrant, challenging world of the Chaâba. Bouzid…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 13, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'The Kid from Chaaba' presents a stark yet tender portrait of a young boy caught between two worlds. Based on Azouz Begag's own life, the film navigates the complexities of growing up Algerian in a French shantytown with…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 13, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Azouz Begag's autobiographical novel finds sensitive translation to the screen in 'The Kid from Chaaba'. This is a coming-of-age story steeped in the realities of cultural intersection, following a young Algerian boy's experiences in a Lyon shantytown. The…

FAQs

Viewers can anticipate a deeply personal and often poignant cinematic journey. The film balances moments of childhood innocence with the harsh realities of cultural displacement and societal prejudice. It offers a thoughtful exploration of identity, family, and belonging, presented through the eyes of a young boy navigating a complex world.