“It’s really a childhood dream,” Amel Guellaty tells MILLE, reacting to the news that her latest project was selected to compete at Sundance, the largest independent film festival in the United States which was one of the first to premiere films from acclaimed American director Quentin Tarantino. Her most recent work, a co-production between Tunisia, France and Qatar, titled Where the Wind Comes From, was just announced as one of the official selections in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition category.
Scheduled to take place from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, the Tunisian-director’s feature will also make its world premiere at the prestigious event. “Every time I used to see a Sundance logo on a poster, I knew I’d love the movie and that’s why it means so much to have this selection. It has always been a dream,” she excitedly revealed.
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Starring two Tunisian actors, Slim Baccar and Eya Bellagha, in the feature’s lead roles, the plot centers around Mehdi and Alyssa, who, like many around them, rely on their imagination to break free from their monotonous lives. After Alyssa learns about an art contest in Djerba that could change their lives, she manages to convince Mehdi into joining her on a journey to the South Tunisian island, ultimately pushing their friendship to the limit.
Also slated to screen at the 54th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, where it’ll be making its European premiere, more recently, it was also announced that Where the Wind Comes From’s rights have been acquired by Films Boutique, a Berlin and Lyon based sales outfit specialized in the global distribution of feature films.
“We immediately connected to Amel’s heartwarming, quirky and entertaining film about two best friends from a Tunisian generation full of hope for a better future,” Gabor Greiner, COO and head of acquisitions at Films Boutique said. “This heartfelt and charming road movie will connect audiences worldwide. Be ready for a very special journey.” he added.
As the film continues to gain momentum, we hope it attracts enough attention to secure a prize at Sundance—and who knows, perhaps even at other film festivals along the way.
Also Read: The Middle Eastern Films Screening at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival
