Synopsis:
This film is presented in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival 2023.
Olfa, a Tunisian mother of four daughters, leads a life that oscillates between darkness and light. One day, her two eldest daughters disappear. To fill the void left by their absence, filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania brings together professional actresses and creates an extraordinary cinematic setup to unveil the story of Olfa and her daughters. It becomes an intimate journey of hope, rebellion, violence, resilience, and sisterhood, challenging the very foundations of our societies.
About Kaouther BEN HANIA:
Kaouther Ben Hania is a Tunisian director and screenwriter born on June 17, 1977, in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. She studied film direction at the National School of Arts and Techniques of Theatre (ENSATT) in Lyon, France, and also earned a degree in documentary film directing from the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual of Tunis.
Ben Hania gained recognition for her bold and socially engaged work, exploring social and political themes through her films. Her debut feature, "Le Challat de Tunis" (2013), garnered international attention. The film, a blend of fiction and documentary, tells the story of a mysterious man riding a motorcycle through the streets of Tunis, attacking women with a razor blade.
Her second feature, "Beauty and the Dogs" (2017), was selected for the Un Certain Regard competition at the Cannes Film Festival. The film tells the true story of a woman raped by police officers and her quest for justice within a bureaucratic system.
In 2020, her film "The Man Who Sold His Skin" was nominated for an Oscar in the Best International Feature Film category. The film explores themes of contemporary art, refugees, and personal compromises within a political context.
Kaouther Ben Hania is recognized for her ability to address complex issues with an innovative cinematic approach. Her work continues to leave a mark on the landscape of Tunisian and international cinema.
CAST:
Hend Sabri as Olfa: Hend Sabri takes on the role of Olfa, the mother whose life is turned upside down by the disappearance of her two daughters. She portrays the complex emotions and struggles that Olfa experiences throughout the film.
Nour Karoui as Daughter: Nour Karoui embodies one of Olfa's daughters, adding depth and vulnerability to the narrative. Her character's absence becomes a catalyst for the unique storytelling approach taken by the filmmaker.
Ichraq Matar as Daughter: Ichraq Matar portrays the other missing daughter, lending authenticity and emotional weight to the film. Through her character, the audience witnesses the impact of her absence on Olfa and the family dynamic.
Majd Mastoura as undisclosed role: Majd Mastoura brings his talent to an undisclosed role in the film, contributing to the overall narrative and the exploration of societal foundations.
Together, this talented cast delivers powerful performances, immersing the audience in the intimate and thought-provoking world of "Les Filles d'Olfa."