The last chapter of Tunisia in Film offers a view into contemporary Tunisia through the documentary lens. For the final week, French Institute Alliance Francaise’s (FIAF) and ArteEast present a three-part viewing on May 28, beginning with a poignant look towards the future with It Was Better Tomorrow (C’était mieux demain). Director Hinde Boujemaa follows Aida, a homeless woman, as she navigates the streets of Tunis, full of hope after the 2011 revolution, in search of shelter and new beginnings for her and her children. The documentary is produced by Tunisia in Film curator and renowned producer Dora Bouchoucha and captures both the humor and tragedy of post-revolution Tunisia.
Mehdi M. Barsaoui's 2012 short Bobby follows the friendship between a young boy and a stray dog, while Cursed be the Phosphate(Maudit soit le phosphate), directed by Sami Tlili, revisits the site of a 2011 revolt in the Gafsa mining basin.
Curator Dora Bouchoucha has brought us an evocative collection for this month-long series, highlighting the role of women in society from pre-independence to post revolution. From Hend Sabry in one of her defining roles in the decadent The Silences of the Palace to the wry commentary of Aida as she confronts a world changed by revolution in It Was Better Tomorrow, Tunisia in Film offers a thread from past to present to future, glimpses of a nation in transition.
It Was Better Tomorrow will be screened at FIAF on May 28 at 12:30 and 4:00 pm. Cursed be the Phosphate will be screened at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online.
