Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales film series has been making headway for quite some time, celebrating the transformative power of female narratives. The series has seen everyone from Ava Duvernay to Haifa Al Mansour take part. Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania is the latest to join the roster of powerful Miu Miu women.
The filmmaker is the 22nd commission for the short film series. Ben Hania, whose latest movie The Man Who Sold His Skin was nominated for Best International Film Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, directed a film titled ‘I and the Stupid Boy’ for the fashion house.
The film trails the story of Nora, a young girl who has recently fallen in love. Seen walking through an abandoned building, Nora meets with her ex, Kevin. “What ensues is a now universal 21st century story of male-female power, sexuality and shame – with a biting, feminist twist,” explains Miu Miu in a statement.
Nora is played by Cesar-winning French actress Oulaya Amamra, while Kevin is played by French actor Sandor Funtek.
“I wanted to create an impossible love story,” says Ben Hania. “The girl in my story is very empathetic,” she continues, “Whereas the boy sees everything from his own perspective.”
Of course, the film sees Nora sporting Miu Miu apparel, and as it turns out, that’s a fundamental aspect of the film. “Nora has sex appeal, she wants to be cool. When she’s stopped by Kevin her costume doesn’t help her. I love this contradiction.” Ben Hania explains, “Costumes are a very powerful tool in cinema, like scenery and lighting.”
The film made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori on September 4, and is now available for streaming on all Miu Miu digital channels and MUBI.
