Preceded by short: Human Being (Insan). (Ibrahim Shaddad, Sudan, 1994). Shot in crisp black and white with an innovative use of sound, Human Being uses experimental form to tell the story of a shepherd from southern Sudan who leaves his wife and herd to settle in a nearby town. In chronicling his journey the film explores the contrast between city and rural life. (27 mins, In Arabic with English subtitles, B&W, 35mm, From Arab Film Distribution) Bab el-Oued City opens with a young woman writing a letter that will never be sent. It is only the first of many incomplete communications. Allouache's powerful depiction of the impact of Islamic fundamentalism on Algeria is set in a poor section of old Algiers just after the bloody riots of 1988. Propagandistic messages spew from loud speakers perched on rooftops, and when Boualem, a young baker, rips one down, he becomes the target of a group who roam the streets, self-appointed police of their neighbors' morals. The narrative creates a chilling portrayal of control through intimidation and violence. Fear is seen to generate duplicity, a covering up more than a cleaning up (a fundamentalist's sister and mother turn off their Western movies when he enters the room; a Frenchman describes a view that no longer exists to his blind aunt). The film sees little hope, save in private acts such as the young woman's hidden letters. As a local spiritual leader says, on resigning, "It is the end of happiness here."-Kathy Geritz, SFIFF '95