The long -awaited evening finally took place at the Pathé Tunis City cinema, attracting a host of enthusiastic spectators as well as professionals from the world of the show for the first of the Saudi film To my sound/for my son (2023) led by the talented Tunisian dhafer abidinewhich not only makes the film, but also embodies the main role. The event was marked by the excitement of Tunisian fans who rushed to meet their idol as soon as he appeared in the hall of cinema, exchanging with him and taking a picture.
Dhafer the abidine monopolized by his fans:
To my sound Mark the second opus produced by Dhafer the Abidine. His first feature film as a director, Ghodwa (2021) had made his noticed debut at the Cairo International Film Festival, where he had conquered the hearts of the public and won the prestigious Fipresci price.
As of To my soundhe was selected to be screened during the third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Djeddah, in the “Special Screenings” category, arousing the enthusiasm and admiration of the public.
Turned in the enchanting sets of the country, To my sound benefited from a close collaboration between Saudi and Tunisian teams. In particular, the technical team, mainly Tunisian, has greatly contributed to enhance the technical quality of the film, thus illustrating the value of the partnership between the two nations. During the first, Dhafer also rented the quality of his team members and presented them to the present.
Dhafer the abidine presents his film:
The captivating synopsis of the film narrates the story of Feisal, a British citizen of Saudi origin living in London with his seven -year -old son, Adam. Years after the tragic death of his wife Angela, Feisal made the radical decision to leave her London life to return to Saudi Arabia with his son.
This homecoming is marked by a series of challenges and family conflicts. Feisal not being returned to his country of origin since his departure from his hometown of Abha, twelve years ago. His return arouses contrasting reactions within his family. His two sisters, Noura and Shahad, as well as his younger brother Fares, are delighted to see him again. However, their father Ibrahim has difficulty forgiving Feisal of having left the family against his will to continue his own dreams in the Western world.
To my sound offers a story on complex family dynamics, approaching universal themes such as identity, belonging and mourning. The director, through the tormented character of Feisal, explores the emotional intrications that arise when returning to the roots and confrontations with the past.
The picturesque sets of Saudi Arabia, captured with finesse on the screen, offer an enchanting visual immersion. Unique architecture, interior sets, as well as scenes from daily life, such as Iftar during Ramadan or traditional marriage, present an authentic portrait of Saudi society, reflecting its cultural evolution. The film thus awakens the spectator’s curiosity, making him want to explore the country, his landscapes, his culture and his crafts more.
In a debate after the projection, Dhafer El Abidine shared his artistic vision and his commitment to the authentic representation of the realities of emigration and the return to basics. He expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome reserved for the film and his desire to share it with spectators across the country.
To my sound Will be in Tunisian rooms from Friday, April 17, 2024. Two other first are planned in the presence of Dhafer and the Tunisian film team: Saturday April 13, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Pathé Mall of Sousse and Sunday April 14 at 7 p.m. at Pathé Azur City.
Trailer:
Neïla Driss
