A trio of notable Tunisian films is poised to captivate Egyptian audiences this January, promising a blend of drama, comedy, and poignant coming-of-age narratives. Distributed by MAD Solutions, the films include Where the Wind Comes From, premiering on January 21, followed by Promised Sky on January 24, and Têtes Brûlées on January 26.
Promised Sky, directed by Erige Sehiri, is a co-production between France, Tunisia, and Qatar. Starring Aïssa Maïga, Laetitia Ky, Deborah Naney, and Mohamed Grayaa, the film tells the story of Marie, Naney, and Jolie, three women in Tunisia who open their home to Kenza, a shipwreck survivor. As they navigate life together, they confront personal questions of identity and belonging. The film made its debut at the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered three major awards at the Festival du Film Francophone d’Angoulême and accolades at several festivals, including a Best Screenplay award in Valencia and both the Piuculture Award and the Ecumenical Award for Best Film at the MedFilm Festival.
Têtes Brûlées, directed by Maja Ajmia Yde Zellama, premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in the Generation 14plus section, where it received two Special Mentions for its emotional depth and unique perspective. The film follows 12-year-old Eya as she grapples with the sudden loss of her older brother, Younès. As she navigates her grief, Eya draws on her imagination, inner strength, and the support of her late brother’s friends to find solace. The film features a talented cast, including Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra, Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama, and Monia Taieb. It has been showcased at numerous international festivals, including in Sydney, Barcelona, and the Amman International Film Festival for its MENA premiere.
Completing the selection is Where the Wind Comes From, a comedic adventure directed by Amel Guellaty, co-produced by France, Tunisia, and Qatar. The film stars Slim Baccar, Eya Bellagha, Sondos Belhassen, and Lobna Noomane and follows 19-year-old Alyssa and 23-year-old Mehdi as they yearn for a better life. Their journey begins with the discovery of a competition that could change their fortunes, leading them on a road trip through southern Tunisia filled with unexpected challenges. Following its positive reception at the Sundance Film Festival, the film continued its festival journey with showings in Rotterdam and Istanbul and won multiple awards, including the Golden Bee for Best Film and Best Performance for Eya Bellagha at the Malta Mediterranean Film Festival, as well as Best Narrative Feature at the Toronto Arab Film Festival.
These films represent a rich tapestry of Tunisian cinema, ready to engage and entertain local audiences with their compelling storytelling and emotional resonance.
