Whether you’re interested in exploring Tunisian cinema for the first time or looking for some new recommendations, there are plenty of great movies to watch.
Tunisia has a rich and diverse cinematic history, with a variety of acclaimed movies spanning different genres and styles. Tunisian movies offer a unique insight into the country’s culture, history, and society.
Many of the country’s most successful movies have also been recognized internationally, winning awards at prestigious festivals.
Here is a list of ten titles directed by Tunisian filmmakers that deserve your attention and to be added to your to-watch list right now.
‘Dachra’ (2018)
Director: Abdelhamid Bouchnak
IBMD Synopsis: “An investigation into witchcraft leads a trio of journalism students to a mysterious town marked by sinister rituals. Inspired by true events.”
‘Hedi’ (2016)
Director: Mohamed Ben Attia
IBMD Synopsis: “Hedi, a young man with great dreams, is struggling his way through social conventions in Tunisia. While his mother tries to decide his life for him, Hedi meets Rim and suddenly he discovers that his world goes beyond and above conventions.”
‘A Son’ (2020) — Original Title: Un Fils
Director: Mehdi Barsaoui
IBMD Synopsis: “11 year old Aziz needs a liver transplant after being seriously injured during a terrorist ambush while on holiday in 2011. At the hospital a family secret will be revealed.”
‘The Man Who Sold His Skin’ (2020)
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
IBMD Synopsis: “His own body turned into a living work of art and promptly exhibited in a museum, Sam, a Syrian refugee, will soon realize to have sold away more than just his skin.”
‘Under the Fig Trees’ (2021) — Original Title: Sous les figues
Director: Erige Sehiri
IMBD Synopsis: “Among the trees, young women and men working the summer crops develop new feelings, flirt, try to understand each other, find – and flee – deeper bonds.”
‘Noura’s Dream’ (2019) — Original Title: Noura Rêve
Director: Hinde Boujemaa
IBMD Synopsis: “With her abusive husband in jail and a coveted divorce pending, hardworking Noura can almost grasp a happy, new life with lover Lassaad – but when the best-laid plans are upended, Noura must tap her unshakable will to fulfill her dream.”
‘Of Skin and Men’ (2017) — Original Title: L’Amour des hommes
Director: Mehdi Ben Attia
IBMD Synopsis: “Following the death of her husband in an accident, young Amel tries to find some consolation in photography. She takes photos of strangers from the street, looking at men as they tend to do towards women.”
‘A Tale of Love and Desire’ (2021)
Director: Leyla Bouzid
IBMD Synopsis: “Ahmed, an 18-year old, French of Algerian origin, meets Farah, a young Tunisian girl. He discovers a collection of sensual and erotic Arab literature and falls in love with Farah and he tries to resist the desire.”
‘Arab Blues’ (2019)
Director: Manele Labidi
IBMD Synopsis: “After years abroad in Paris, Selma returns to Tunis with the dream of opening up her own psychotherapy practice.”
‘Look At Me’ (2018) — Original Title: Regarde-Moi
Director: Nejib Belkadhi
IBMD Synopsis: “Lotfi, a Tunisian immigrant in his forties. Settled in Marseille, France. He shares his life with his French girlfriend, Monica. Lotfy’s life is upended when his brother invites him to visit his Tunisian wife, who had recently suffered a stroke.”
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