A Community’s Battle With Shadows

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MOVIE REVIEW
Who Do I Belong To (Mé el Aïn)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 2h
Director(s): Meryam Joobeur
Writer(s): Meryam Joobeur
Cast: Mariem Jlassi, Akkari Neji, Kanaweti Chakib, Romdhani Hélène, Catzaras Adam, Bessa Noomen, Hamda Bahri, Rahali Imene, Ghazouani
Language: Arabic with English Subtitles
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 74th Berlinale | Berlin International Film Festival (2024)

RAVING REVIEW: In WHO DO I BELONG TO, the sweeping landscapes of Tunisia set the stage for a compelling drama that weaves the personal with the political. Aicha's (Salha Nasraoui) life, marked by routine and simplicity, is thrust into chaos with the return of her son Mehdi (Malek Mechergui.) This film is an emotional voyage into the heart of family bonds, where love and truth collide. Meryam Joobeur invites us into a vividly drawn world where each frame tells a story rich with the textures of Tunisian life. The passion and heart are evident in every scene of the film; you can tell that Joobeur gives her everything in every frame created.

The backstory of WHO DO I BELONG TO is as captivating as its plot, springing from a spontaneous road trip that turned into a cinematic expedition. Joobeur, alongside Vincent Gonneville, discovered the Mechergui brothers, sparking an idea that grew into an Oscar-nominated short and, eventually, this feature film. The narrative delves into the impact of extremism on a family through an intimate and expansive lens, making the personal universal.

A standout feature of this film is its cast, a dynamic blend of seasoned actors and natural new talent. At its heart, WHO DO I BELONG TO explores themes of identity and belonging, challenging viewers to look beyond the surface. Joobeur doesn't just tell a story; she questions the foundations of identity, family, and belief. This isn't just a narrative set in Tunisia; it's a universal tale of searching for where we fit in a fragmented world. Learning who we are, what we are, and what passion truly means.

The film pays homage to Tunisia's stunning vistas, their almost untouched feel, next to other locales that feel practically unreal. Joobeur's use of specific aspects adds layers to the narrative. It blurs the lines between the tangible and the imagined, inviting the audience to lose themselves in a world as beautiful as it is thought-provoking. You won’t always know what you’re looking at, and that’s done with full intent, offering the viewer an experience they won’t forget.

As WHO DO I BELONG TO rolls out on the big screen at the Berlin International Film Festival, it's clear that Joobeur has woven a rich, complex tapestry that speaks to the heart and the mind. This film is an ode to storytelling's power, a narrative that bridges divides and touches on the universal quest for understanding and connection. With its deep dive into the nuances of Tunisian life and the transformative journeys of its characters, WHO DO I BELONG TO stands as a landmark film, enriching the cinematic landscape with its bold exploration of pressing themes.

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[photo courtesy of TANIT FILMS (France,) MIDI LA NUIT (Canada,) INSTINCT BLEU (Tunisia,) 1888 FILMS (France,) GODOLPHIN FILMS (Tunisia,) EYE EYE PICTURES (Norway,) LUXBOX FILMS]

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