Can Art Change the World?
The question of whether art can change the world continues to spark endless debate. However, one thing is certain: an artistic experience can change a person's destiny. Young filmmaker Jaleleddine Faizi is a perfect example of this, following the success of his short film "Scarecrows of the Red Zone" (Fazzaat al mintaka al hamraa). After winning the award for Best Independent Film at the 38th edition of the Kélibia International Amateur Film Festival (Fifak), he is now touring numerous events beyond his country's borders.
A Childhood Marked by Stigma
Jaleleddine Faizi hails from Semmama, a mountainous region where life has always been tough due to its geographical location and the economic conditions of its inhabitants. For years, the area has been synonymous with danger after terrorist threats and mine explosions, leading to the isolation of a part of the region, now deemed a "military zone" with restricted access. The children of the region have grown up aware of the weight of stereotypes that cling to their stigmatized living environment. Most of them think only of leaving and do not know how to overcome despair, permanent doubt, and feelings of uselessness.
The Tacir Program: A Turning Point
The Tacir program recently enabled six individuals, including Jaleleddine Faizi, to take their destiny into their own hands. The Amavi Association for Multimedia and Audiovisual launched this initiative to support young talents. The essential goal is to reduce inequality in access to culture and social inclusion in 11 concerned regions, with the support of researchers and experts from the cultural and creative industries sector. The Semmama Cultural Center for Arts and Crafts is committed to providing participants with an environment conducive to artistic expression, transforming a passion or talent into a professional opportunity.
From Painting to Filmmaking
Jaleleddine Faizi responded to an announcement for an artistic residency with filmmakers Ikbel Zalila and Fatma Cherif. This moment became a turning point. "Before, I loved painting, but I hadn't practiced it since childhood, due to lack of means and especially encouragement," he told us. "But I never thought of entering the film industry. I embarked on this adventure without believing in myself at first and didn't expect to receive such an echo."
"Scarecrows of the Red Zone": A Film Inspired by Childhood
"Scarecrows of the Red Zone" was initially conceived as a documentary before being modified into a 25-minute autofiction film. When he wrote the screenplay, Jaleleddine Faizi recounted his own childhood through the character of a child passionate about painting who refuses to give up despite the hostile environment in which he evolves. The scarecrows mentioned in the title are symbols of artistic creation, but also a deterrent figure that is actually abandoned and harmless. The film is inspired by the solitude of his village and the dreams stifled by rural isolation and the echoes of terrorist threats. It conveys a perception that allows us to see, despite everything, the beauty and the unusual in the daily life of his region.
Overcoming Obstacles
The young filmmaker shared with us some of the obstacles that marked the stages of creating the film. Obtaining the necessary permits to film was particularly delicate due to the region's heavy past. Additionally, as it was his first experience and he had not received specialized training, the technical aspect was far from perfect.
International Recognition
After winning an award in Tunisia, the short film is now competing in numerous international festivals, even beyond the amateur category. It has been screened in Morocco in the presence of the director, in Mauritania, and will soon be competing in Albania and the Netherlands. These participations are certainly a catalyst for personal and professional changes capable of propelling the young filmmaker's future career.
A Story of Resilience
Working on this project has also provoked significant changes in the way Jaleleddine Faizi views his own life. For him, it's not just an individual success; it's the story of resilience of a village whose voice is being heard. "When we doubt ourselves, when we think of giving up and don't see a way out, being chosen and distinguished is a powerful validation. It restores confidence and sweeps away rejections and criticisms," he confided.
A Future in Filmmaking
In a field where competition is fierce, Jaleleddine Faizi is ready to acquire new skills to perfect his art. By opening up a path to better diffusion and large-scale recognition, he hopes to obtain new financing and unprecedented opportunities for future film projects.
Giving Voice to Young Talents
It's essential to note that "Scarecrows of the Red Zone" was the only Tunisian independent film at Fifak. The other works were supported by the Tunisian Federation of Amateur Filmmakers (Ftca) and film schools. Therefore, it's crucial to provide more opportunities for young people from remote areas to tell the world about their experiences, far from the turmoil of big cities. These regions are a breeding ground for talents who have a legitimate need to question, denounce, and dream. By creating works that bear the mark of their identity with a gaze emanating from within, they will contribute to an innovative and committed cinematic scene.
Celebrating Success
The Cultural Center for Arts and Crafts in the region, which hosts and encourages these creations, recently organized an evening at the El Hamra theater, in partnership with DVV International, to celebrate these projects and many others on the occasion of the National Conference on Adult Learning and Education.
