Info:

Original title: Une histoire d'amour et de désir
Director: Leyla Bouzid
Writers: Leyla Bouzid, Marie-Sophie Chambon
Cast: Sami Outalbali, Zbeida Belhajamor, Diong-Kéba Tacu
Countries of origin: France, Tunisia
Languages: French, Arabic
Subtitles: Norwegian
Runtime: 1 hour 49 minutes

About the film:

Leyla Bouzid's poetic drama A Tale of Love and Desire follows the story of Ahmed, an 18-year-old French-Algerian living in the suburbs of Paris. He meets Farah, a vibrant Tunisian girl, who challenges his patriarchal assumptions. As they explore a new world of sensual and erotic Arabic literature together at Sorbonne University, Ahmed is also exploring, and fighting, new feelings of love and desire towards Farah.

A Tale of Love and Desire examines the protagonist's struggle to navigate and reconcile his various cultural identities, including his class background. The film authentically explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and love, while celebrating the joys and fears of youthful desire. With a well-cast duo of actors carrying the story, the film offers a refreshing and nuanced take on the coming-of-age genre, providing great originality and several levels of social readings.

Premiering at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, A Tale of Love and Desire has received praise for its strong performances and insightful portrayal of contemporary Tunisia.

Leyla Bouzid (Born 1984, Tunisia)

Born and raised in Tunisia, Leyla Bouzid pursued French literature studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, and later joined La Fémis' Directing Department. Bouzid has worked on numerous award-winning short films before making her debut as a feature film director with As I Open My Eyes in 2015. The film premiered at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival and went on to win over 40 international awards, receiving critical acclaim upon its simultaneous theatrical release in Tunisia and France. A Tale of Love and Desire is Bouzid's second feature film.