In recent days, the film I AM K2 has been widely shared and discussed across Tunisian social media platforms. While the movie had already drawn attention upon its release, its renewed circulation has reignited conversations that go well beyond cinema, touching on politics, history, and collective memory.
The film centers on Karim Gharbi, known as K2Rhym — a Tunisian rapper, entrepreneur, and former political aspirant. Through a mix of personal narrative and dramatized elements, I AM K2 explores themes of ambition, power, and influence, set against a backdrop that resonates strongly with Tunisia’s recent past.
A Film That Reopens Historical Conversations
One of the key reasons behind the movie’s current traction is its portrayal and discussion of the final days of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s regime, including references to what happened to Ben Ali and members of his family as the political situation rapidly deteriorated in January 2011.
These scenes and references have sparked renewed debate among viewers, many of whom see the film as an opportunity to revisit a pivotal and emotionally charged moment in Tunisia’s history. Online discussions reflect differing interpretations — some view the film’s treatment of this period as a narrative device, while others see it as an attempt to reframe or highlight lesser-discussed aspects of the regime’s collapse.
Between Art, Politics, and Public Image
The conversation surrounding I AM K2 is also shaped by K2Rhym’s own public trajectory. Having transitioned from music to business and later into politics, his attempted presidential candidacy in 2024 — followed by legal proceedings and a controversial conviction in absentia — adds another layer of complexity to how the film is perceived.
Critics and commentators have questioned whether the movie should be viewed strictly as an artistic project or as a broader communication effort linked to its creator’s political past. Others argue that the film reflects a growing trend in Tunisia where art, personal branding, and political narratives increasingly overlap.
Influencers, Promotion, and Public Scrutiny
Another aspect fueling debate is the film’s promotion, particularly events organized abroad and the involvement of social media influencers. Questions raised by journalists and political figures regarding transparency and funding have further amplified interest in the movie, pushing it into the center of public discussion.
Why It Resonates Now
More than a simple biographical or cinematic work, I AM K2 appears to resonate because it touches on unresolved questions about Tunisia’s recent history, the legacy of the Ben Ali era, and how contemporary figures position themselves in relation to that past.
As Tunisians continue to watch, share, and debate the film, I AM K2 stands as a reminder of how cultural productions can revive historical dialogue — especially when they intersect with politics, memory, and identity.
