Biography

Djemel Barek (1966 – July 31, 2020) was a renowned Algerian-French actor and theatre director, celebrated for his powerful performances in film, television, and stage productions across Algeria and France.

Early Life and Education

Djemel Barek was born in Algiers, Algeria, in 1966. He later moved to France, where he began his acting career in the 1980s through theatre. He trained extensively in dramatic arts and quickly became involved with major productions across the French stage scene.

Theatre Career

Barek started out on stage, appearing in significant plays including:

“The Mother” by Maxim Gorky

“Without Title” by Federico García Lorca

He collaborated with prominent French directors such as Robert Hossein and Michel Georges, gaining widespread recognition for his intense performances and emotional depth.

Film and Television

Djemel Barek transitioned into film and television in the 1990s. Over his career, he appeared in more than 60 productions, including high-profile French and international works:

“Munich” (2005) by Steven Spielberg

“Les Hommes Libres” (Free Men) (2011) by Ismaël Ferroukhi

“The Returned” (Les Revenants, 2012–2015), a popular French supernatural series

“Far from Men” (Loin des hommes, 2014) by David Oelhoffen

He also starred in well-known French TV series including:

Le Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau)

Platane

Candice Renoir

Que Dieu nous pardonne (May God Forgive Us)

Algerian Productions

Barek returned to Algerian screens with impactful roles in national TV dramas:

In “El Khawa 2” (2017), he played a major role that resonated with Algerian audiences.

Most notably, in “Ouled El-Halal” (2019), he portrayed Azeddine “Qta3a”, a feared and respected patriarch. His performance was praised for its realism and complexity, earning him widespread admiration in Algeria.

Theatre Directing

In addition to acting, Barek also directed several theatre works:

“Not My Molière” (2005), a bold reinterpretation of classic French theatre

“Luciole” (2009), which was lauded for its creativity and direction

Death and Legacy

Djemel Barek passed away on July 31, 2020, after a long illness. He was 54 years old. His death sparked widespread mourning in both Algerian and French artistic communities. Lebanese actress Carmen Lebbos, who worked with him in El Khawa, was among those who paid heartfelt tributes.

Barek is remembered as a bridge between Algerian and French cultures, and as one of the most authentic and respected actors of his generation. His portrayals often focused on the immigrant experience, social justice, and identity, making his work deeply meaningful and relevant.