Cinema: Tunisian film ‘Behind the Mountains’ selected for the 80th Venice Film Festival

A new milestone for Tunisian and Arab cinema

The film, which recounts the journey of Rafik who, after spending four years in prison, reveals a fascinating discovery to his son, is one of the films backed by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund.

The movie stars Majd Mastoura, Walid Bouchhioua, Samer Bisharat, Selma Zeghidi, Helmi Dridi and Wissem Belgharek.

 

Official poster for Mohamed Ben Attia's "Oura El Jbel" ("Behind the Mountains"). #VeniceFilmFestival #Venice80 #AfricanStories #AfricanCinema pic.twitter.com/1n4tDJD5vS

— Akoroko — African Cinema Now! (@akorokoafrica) July 25, 2023

The movie’s plot

The film centers on Rafik and his son. Rafik’s sole ambition is to prove his ability to fly, and to this end he decides to take his son to a faraway place. However, his wife is skeptical of his abilities and his in-laws are opposed to the idea. Undaunted, Rafik breaks into his son’s school and runs away with him. During their escape, they meet a shepherd and take refuge in a rural farmhouse, which marks the beginning of unforeseen challenges.

The festival will also include other quality productions, as outlined by Alberto Barbera, who presented a program for the event unveiling scheduled films by distinguished directors such as Bradley Cooper, Sofia Coppola, Yorgos Lanthimos, Michael Mann, and Ava DuVernay.