Hedi, un vent de liberté

I was fascinated by the film’s locations because I am familiar with town Mahdia and its surroundings. But it wasn’t enough to make this film great, because the filmmaking is quite average and emotionless. When do you get a chance to watch a Tunisian film though? Especially if you are a movie fan…? (06/06/2017)

Contemporary Tunisia through the story of a young man who cannot choose between a plan (tradition) and no plan (liberal relationship). What may sound like a model love biscuit, under the hands of debutant Mohamed Ben Attia, turns into a lively, bright and captivating pilgrimage of lands that hang in the timelessness between tradition and modernity. Between revolution and sobriety. Disaster and...? A strong film, self-inspired by Darden's kinetics, from which the director takes a part, but it does not feel like an epigon, but rather as an inventive observer of intimate relationships and their social context. A pleasure on many levels. Tunisian version of A Separation. [Berlinale 2016] (13/02/2016)

I haven't had the opportunity to get acquainted with Tunisian cinema yet, so I gave Hedi a chance to try to charm me. Surprisingly, the film succeeded. I fully experienced the protagonist's insane indecision about whether to submit to binding traditions or choose his own path, which was perhaps ultimately guided by the intoxicating romance with the sensual dancer Rym. What is remarkable is that the film also works on the second level. By presenting a more visually appealing love story, it also sheds light on the shortcomings of conservative North African society, offering a bit of guidance on the direction it should take. (31/08/2020)