The first of its kind in the region, Carthage Film Festival has consistently brought African and Arab cinema to the forefront since 1966. This year’s edition is no different. The week-long event kicked off last weekend, with screenings of 206 films from 46 different nations.
If you haven’t been able to make your way to the festival or any of the participating theatres yet—there’s no need to panic. Despite just one weekend left on the schedule, there’s still a lot left to see, and we’ve rounded them up for you.
Weldi
Directed by Mohamed ben Attia, Weldi made its debut at Cannes earlier this year—and has been at the receiving end of much critical acclaim. The film is a story familiar to many Tunisians, centred around a young man leaving his family behind to join ISIS—but rather than putting the focus on him, Attia shifts the lens towards his loved ones.
This is Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been in the midst of conflict for over two decades. With this documentary, director Daniel McCabe gives a direct look inside the harsh realities of the nation through the eyes of three characters living it.
Rafiki
Focused on a romance between two women, Wanuri Kahiu made headlines with her film Rafiki when government officials banned it from being screened in Kenyan theatres. The groundbreaking film tells the story of what it’s really like to go against tradition and is one not to miss.
Life After The Fall
The story of the fall of Saddam Hussein has been told countless times, but with Life After The Fall, director Karim Abid tells the story from a different perspective by shifting the focus towards a single family left to struggle through life during war.
The Crossing
Although a permit can sometimes be the only requirement to cross the wall, Palestinian siblings Shady and Meryem find themselves facing quite the obstacle when they try to visit their sick grandfather. With the Crossing, director Ameen Nayef gives us a glimpse into their journey.
