The Luxor African Film Festival (Egypt) paid tribute to the Tunisian actor Ahmed Hafiene during the opening ceremony and subsequently screened one of his films “Fatwa”, directed by Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud.
During the 14th edition of the Luxor African Film Festival which takes place from January 9 to 14, 2024, Tunisian actor Ahmed Hafiene was honored for his entire career. This moving tribute took place during the opening ceremony in the heart of the sumptuous temple of Luxor.
Two days later, the celebration was followed by the screening of one of his most striking films, Fatwadirected by Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud.
Ahmed Hafiene, whose talent has been praised many times, shone in Fatwa. This film earned him several prestigious distinctions, including the prize for best actor to Carthage’s film days in 2018. In addition to this prize, Fatwa also won the Tanit d’Or, a major recognition in the world of Arab and African cinema.
In 2019, Ahmed Hafiene continued to harvest honors for his interpretation in this film. He received the prize for the best actor at the Malmö Arab film festival, after being distinguished at the Festival Views d’Afrique in Montreal and the Tunisian Cinema Festival. Each time, its role in Fatwa was greeted for its depth and intensity.
Before the screening, Ahmed Hafiene wanted to salute the public by expressing his great joy at being honored and seeing his film screened as part of the festival. He recalled that the film had won numerous awards and that he had himself been awarded for his interpretation in this feature film, saying: ” I am happy to be here at the festival and to receive this prestigious tribute. »»
Ahmed Hafiene sent a message to the young audience, in particular to the teenagers present in large numbers to the projection, urging them to be vigilant, because youth can, at certain times, be a period conducive to deviation. He stressed that cinema and films had saved him such dangers when he was young.
During his intervention, Ahmed Hafiene said: ” What matters most to me is that we made this film for young people. Although the title is Fatwathe central theme is the pain of parents who lose a child because of an omnipresent danger: terrorism. He added that the film conveyed strong emotions and that he hoped that the public would appreciate them.
After the screening, Ahmed Hafiene took the time to listen to the opinions and questions of young people concerning the film, his concept and his interpretation, because he approaches a crucial question: that of terrorism and armed groups that attract young people.
The actor expressed his pride in participating in this project, saying that the film was aimed above all in the general public. He said that filming took place in 2013, a period when Tunisia was among the main exporting countries of terrorism. “” Terrorism is a made question. When societies progress, terrorism arises to slow down any social, cultural or economic progress. Culture, on the other hand, is the locomotive of development and the social and cultural Renaissance “, He concluded.
Fatwa tells the story of Brahim Nadhour, a Tunisian living in France, who returned to Tunis after the suspicious death of his son Marouane, officially victim of a motorcycle accident. By investigating, Brahim discovered that Marouane campaigned in a Salafist organization, which pushes him to doubt the circumstances of his death. The film explores the complex dynamics between the father, interpreted with finesse by Ahmed Hafiene, and his radicalized son, while denouncing the mechanisms of indoctrination. Through a breathless plot, Fatwa highlights the conflict between moderate religious values and extremist ideologies, while exposing the pain and dilemmas of parents confronted with loss and misunderstanding.
The role of Brahim, embodied by Ahmed Hafiene, brilliantly illustrated a father’s struggle in front of his own doubts and a torn society. The film, while exploring the indoctrination mechanisms, highlights the resistance and the courage necessary to face extremism.
Among the other actors, we find the famous Ghalia Benali in the role of Loubna, the mother of Marouane and ex-wife of Brahim, a deputy engaged in the fight against religious extremism.
Sarra Hannachi embodies Latifa, a young woman victim of domestic violence, while Mohamed Sassi and Ramzi Aziz play key characters who revolve around Brahim in his quest for truth. The film also highlights the obstacles to which Brahim comes up: the fear of speaking, the accomplice silence of the community, and the hostility of extremist religious circles.
The film, partly shot in the Souk El Marr, offers an authentic representation of Tunis, highlighting the subtle balance between its rich historical heritage and the contemporary challenges it faces. Through Brahim’s interactions with various local characters, director Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud paints a complex and nuanced portrait of current Tunisian society.
With FatwaMahmoud Ben Mahmoud skillfully mixes the codes of the thriller with a deep social reflection. Brahim’s investigation into the death of his son becomes a pretext for exploring the fractures of a society where extremist ideologies threaten individual and cultural freedoms.
Far from any Manichaeism, the film depicts the psychological ravages of indoctrination on vulnerable minds. It also illustrates the courage of those who, like Loubna, dare to resist pressures and defend their convictions. Ode to tolerance and freedom, Fatwa forcefully denounces obscurantism and calls for a cultural and social renaissance.
The tribute paid to Ahmed Hafiane at the Luxor Festival is a well -deserved recognition for this talented actor, whose performances have marked Arab and African cinema. His interpretation in Fatwa Remains engraved in memories, confirming its status as an icon of Tunisian cinema.
Neïla Driss
