Film Forum

In Tunisia, a community of Ivorians led by Marie, the charismatic pastor of the Church of Perseverance and a former journalist, support and protect each other in the face of increasing state racism against sub-Saharan Africans—“they’re eating cats” is the rumor that spreads—including police raids and mass arrests. Naney is a feisty single mother who hustles to survive and to someday reunite with her daughter; Jolie is a privileged, aloof college student, presumably protected by her documented status; and four- year-old nonspeaking Kenza has just washed up on their shores, literally, having survived a shipwreck with no knowledge of her family or fellow refugees.  Each has her dreams and heartbreaks to contend with; and while Marie, the eldest and wisest, sees that individualism will get them nowhere, Naney, Jolie, and Kenza must ultimately each find their own way. A chillingly resonant story for our times.

Presented with support from The Endowed Fund for Emerging Filmmakers

2025     95 MIN.     FRANCE / TUNISIA / QATAR     IN FRENCH AND ARABIC WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES     FILM MOVEMENT

Reviews

“Deeply human... visually and texturally truthful thanks to Sehiri’s authentic point of view and cinematographer Frida Marzouk’s poetic lens... packs a punch when Sehiri underscores just how deeply rooted (and similar-sounding) anti-migrant sentiments are around the world.”
– Tomris Laffly, Variety 

“Casts a warm glow... a bittersweet celebration of endurance and sacrifice with notable newcomer Debora Lobe Naney giving a winning performance as a vibrant spirit, determined to survive everything that life throws at her.”
– Allan Hunter, Screen International