Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem is visiting refugees in north Africa, ahead of his appearance at the Sahara International Film Festival.

The No Country For Old Men star has been spending time with Sahrawi (corr) families who have lived in a camp in Algeria, since they fled their native Western Sahara more than 30 years ago, because of Moroccan and Mauritian oppression.

Bardem and his brother Carlos - who he is traveling with - hope their trip will raise awareness of the tribe. During their visit they have been spotted riding camels in the desert with locals.

The festival, traditionally dominated by Spanish films, will take place in Dakhla this weekend. At the end of the festival, the top director will be awarded a camel.