The Carthage Cinematographic Days, the most anticipated Tunisian cultural event of the year, start tomorrow evening.
For this Nejib Ayed session, 170 films representing 40 countries will be screened for 10 days at the rate of 60 projections per day in 22 different cinemas. Unfortunately for this year, the legendary Colosseum room will not be part of the party due to embellishment and repair work. On the other hand, moviegoers will be able to see films in room n ° 8 of the multiplex Pathé Tunis City and at the Ciné Jamil in El Menzah.
It is obvious that I do not know all the films that are scheduled this year at the JCC 2019, but I saw some in various festivals, especially at the Cannes Film Festival. I advise eight to see absolutely:
Parasite by Joon-Ho Bong (South Korea)-Cinema section of the world
Synopsis:
The whole Ki-Taek family is unemployed, and is strongly interested in the lifestyle of the wealthy Park family. One day, their son manages to be recommended to give private English lessons among the Park. This is the beginning of an uncontrollable gear, which no one will really come out unscathed …
The miserable from LADJ LY (France) – Diaspora section.
This very strong and very moving film won the jury prize at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Synopsis:
Stéphane, just arrived from Cherbourg, joined the anti-crime brigade of Montfermeil, in the 93. He will meet his new teammates, Chris and Gwada, two “bacques”. He quickly discovered tensions between the different groups in the neighborhood. While they are overwhelmed during an arrest, a drone films their smallest actions …
Sorrywe miss you from Ken Loach (United Kingdom) Cinema section of the world.
In official competition at the last edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Synopsis
Ricky, Abby and their two children live in Newcastle. Their family is united and parents work hard. While Abby works with dedication for elderly at home, Ricky continues poorly paid jobs; They realize that they can never become independent or owners of their house. It’s now or never! A real opportunity seems to be offered to them by the digital revolution: Abby then sells his car so that Ricky can buy a van to become a driver-bookman on his account. But the drifts of this new modern world will have major repercussions throughout the family …
Adam by Maryam Touzani (Morocco) in official competition feature films.
Adam was screened the first time in Cannes where he was in competition in the a certain look selection. He was subsequently selected at several festivals and won in particular the bronze star at the El Gouna film festival (Egypt) And the Best Actress Prize for Nisrin Erradi at the Durban International Film Festival (South Africa).
Adam was chosen to represent Morocco for the Oscar for the best international film with 2020 Oscars.
Very beautiful film, very moving. Inspired by a true story.
Synopsis
In the Medina of Casablanca, Abla, widow and mother of an 8 -year -old girl, holds a store of Moroccan pastries. When Samia, a young pregnant woman strikes her door, Abla is far from imagining that her life will change forever. A fortuitous meeting of fate, two women on the run, and one way to the essentials.
Papicha From Mounia Meddour (Algeria) in official competition feature films.
Papicha was screened the first time in Cannes where he was in competition in the a certain look selection. He was subsequently selected at several festivals and won in particular the prize for the best Arab film at the El Gouna film festival (Egypt).
Papicha was chosen to represent Algeria for the Oscar for the best international film with 2020 Oscars, but paradoxically this film was prohibited in its own country. Maybe because of his anti-Islamist remarks?
Synopsis:
Algiers, 90s. Nedjma, 18, a student living in the university city, dreams of becoming a stylist. At nightfall, she sneaks through the mesh of the city’s fence with her best friends to reach the nightclub where she sells her creations to the “Papichas”, pretty young Algerian girls. The country’s political and social situation continues to deteriorate. Refusing this fatality, Nedjma decides to fight for his freedom by organizing a fashion show, brawling all the prohibitions.
Noura Dream From Hinde Boujemaa (Tunisia) in official competition feature films.
After his first at the Toronto International Film Festival (Canada), Noura Dream was selected at several festivals and won The Best Actress Prize for Hend Sabry at the El Gouna Film Festival And the Grand Prix Competition Internationale – feature films at the International Festival of independent film in Bordeaux.
Synopsis
5 days is the time it remains before the divorce between Noura and Jamel, a repeat prisoner, is pronounced. Noura who dreams of freedom will then be able to live fully with her lover Lassad. But Jamel is released earlier than expected, and Tunisian law severely punishes adultery: Noura will then have to juggle between her work, her children, her husband, her lover, and challenge justice …
The traitor de Marco Bellocchio (Italy) – Cinema section of the world
In official competition at the Cannes Film Festival, then selected at several festivals and won several awards, including that of the best director at the Golden Globes Italy.
Synopsis
In the early 1980s, the war between the sponsors of the Sicilian mafia was at its height. Tommaso Buscetta, member of Cosa Nostra, flees his country to hide in Brazil. Meanwhile, in Italy, the settling of accounts are linked, and those close to Buscetta are murdered one after the other. Arrested by Brazilian then extradited, Buscetta police, makes a decision that will change the history of the mafia: meeting Judge Falcone and betraying the oath made to Cosa Nostra.
Phuong Anh Nguyen (The Third Wife) d’Ash Mayfair (Viet Nam) – Cinemas of Asia
After his first at the Toronto International Film Festival (Canada), The Third Wife was selected at several festivals and won several prizes there.
Synopsis
In Rural Vietnam of the 19th century, May, 14, became the third wife of the rich owner Hung. She quickly understands that she can only obtain a status than imposing herself as a woman capable of giving birth to a son. May’s hope to change status becomes real when she gets pregnant …
There are many other beautiful films in this year’s selection. It is impossible to quote them all. There are also many films that have had excellent criticisms, but that I have not yet seen. I hope to discover them soon.
You will find the detailed program of all the projections by rooms here.
Good festival!
Neïla Driss