Ramadan TV‑Series Marathon: A First‑Look Review of “Khottifa” (The Swallow)

Source: La Presse – 22 Feb 2026

Why the Opening Matters

It is certainly wiser to judge the quality of a work after watching it in its entirety, i.e., after all episodes have aired. Nevertheless, a preliminary reading of the scenes that have captured the public’s attention is also permissible. In this article we offer a few reflections on the launch of the new drama “Khottifa” (The Swallow) by Saoussen Jemni, broadcast on the Tunisian channel El Hiwar Ettounisi.

The opening—or “hook,” in journalistic jargon—is crucial because it must seize the viewer’s attention while remaining concise and striking, sparking curiosity and urging the audience to continue watching. Since her earlier successes (Foundou 1 & 2 (2021‑2022), Fallouja 1 & 2 (2023‑2024), Fitna (2025)), Saoussen Jemni has become a master of this craft, and “Khottifa” is no exception.

A Bold Narrative Choice

Instead of slowly introducing characters over one or two episodes—a common practice that can lose viewers—Jemni announces the central event in the very first scene. This immediate thrust pulls the audience in and compels them to follow the story. That is the strength of Jemni’s approach.

The First Images

The drama opens with a toddler accompanying his mother to the village market. The child chases a swallow that has landed on a truck and becomes lost. The mother, frantic, collapses after searching in vain. Despite her husband’s encouragement, she eventually loses hope.

The boy, Youssef, is rescued by a sterile woman who treats the child as a “gift from heaven.” Meanwhile, Youssef’s biological father, devastated by the loss of his son, dies suddenly. The mother thus suffers a double tragedy: the loss of both her child and her husband.

Performances that Hit Home

Lamia Amri—returning to the small screen after several years—delivers a powerful portrayal of a woman, mother, and wife who endures one heartbreaking loss after another. Her presence is luminous; she embodies a modest‑class woman whose misfortunes cascade upon her in a single morning.

Behind Amri’s convincing performance stands Jemni’s direction. She skillfully choreographs the scene, alternating tight close‑ups with wider shots of the bustling market, thereby amplifying the heroine’s despair and helplessness. The result is a sequence brimming with emotion and empathy.

Symbolism and Tragic Echoes

Youssef, the three‑year‑old, mirrors the swallow that inadvertently flies to a new “home.” By separating from his biological family, his sudden disappearance triggers his father’s death from grief. The narrative evokes a Greek tragedy, illustrating the overwhelming force of fate.

Jemni’s staging makes the audience empathize deeply with the protagonist. In this first episode, “Khottifa” owes much of its impact to Lamia Amri’s breathtaking performance. Through tears, screams, silences, and sudden bursts of intensity, she infuses her character with a blend of despair and determination that tugs at viewers’ emotions.

Final Thoughts

Saoussen Jemni’s opening sequence sets a high bar for the rest of the Ramadan series marathon. By delivering a concise, emotionally charged hook, she ensures that viewers are hooked from the very first minute—exactly what a successful TV drama needs during the crowded Ramadan schedule.

Keywords: Ramadan TV series, Khottifa review, Saoussen Jemni, Lamia Amri, Tunisian drama, El Hiwar Ettounisi, TV opening hook, Arabic television, 2026 television criticism

Television Khottifa series by Saoussen Jemni A strong and symbolic start