Two Tunisian Short Films Shine at Cannes: "Somewhere I Belong" and "Sous l'eau"
Two Emerging Voices in Tunisian Cinema
In the parallel sections of the Ciné, cinéma de demain and Short Film Corner, two Tunisian short films, "Somewhere I Belong" by Youssef Handouse and "Sous l'eau" by Hamdi Jouini, have made a splash. These two emerging voices in Tunisian cinema are making waves with their unique visions, sensitivity to the environment, and exploration of identity and social issues.
"Sous l'eau" Shines in the Short Film Corner
Presented in the Short Film Corner of the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, "Sous l'eau" is a 30-minute social drama that tackles the consequences of climate change with clarity. The film follows Tarek, a father whose daughter suffers from a chronic illness caused by air pollution. In an attempt to provide a healthier future for his family, Tarek decides to leave the city and settle on a coastal land. However, this attempt at reconstruction quickly turns into disillusionment and pain.
Through this intimate aspect, the director addresses major issues such as climate justice, environmental inequalities, and the inability of institutions to combat current environmental upheavals. The film puts humanity at the center of concerns and brings to life realities that are often lost in theoretical discussions, statistics, and abstract concepts.
The cast includes Badis Galaoui, Mariem Ben Hssan, Kmar Jouini, Jamel Madani, and Abdelmoneem Chwayet. Hamdi Jouini wrote and directed the film, with Tarak Lazhari handling production, Mouheb Bouden on photography, Amal Rouissi on editing, and Karim Thlibi on the original music.
This selection in the Short Film Corner offers the film and its team a great visibility among professionals in the industry on an international scale. This parallel space at the Cannes Film Festival has become a hub for international encounters between producers, distributors, and young filmmakers from around the world.
"Somewhere I Belong" Shines in La Cinef
Another notable Tunisian presence at the festival is "Somewhere I Belong" by Youssef Handouse, selected in the prestigious La Cinef section, dedicated to films from schools and emerging cinematographic writings.
With a young and committed team, Youssef Handouse directed a cast that includes Nizar Ben Belgacem, Mounir Mabrouk, Abdellatif Boualleg, and Elyes Ghazouani. The presence of this film in La Cinef values the Isamm Tunisian school. This realization testifies to a new cinematographic look and a willingness to explore new narrative forms, belonging to a young generation eager for creations.
The 21-minute film explores themes of identity, memory, and uprooting. Its official synopsis states that the return of a man confronted with a painful truth: the home he thought he would find no longer exists, and his sense of belonging can no longer be defined by blood or memories.
He must then choose between reconnecting with an idealized past or accepting his loss definitively. Among over 2,700 films submitted by film schools worldwide, only 19 were selected, including "Somewhere I Belong".
Between social engagement, environmental concerns, and affirmation of new artistic sensitivities, these young directors demonstrate that the short film remains an essential space for freedom and experimentation to tell the world of today.
