Girl of Wind(2023)

Tunisia, Arabic - 105 min

Director

Moufida Fedhila

Color

Length

105 min

Language

Arabic

Producer

Mehdi Hmili

INFORMATION

dogmafilms.contact@gmail.com

Girl of Wind

Tunisia

LogLine

In Tunis, Aya, a veiled teenage skateboarder, and her mother Myriam hide Youssef, Aya's father, an ex-jihadist who unexpectedly reappears. Their secret is unveiled and Aya's decision will reshape their destinies forever.

Synopsis

In the heart of a working-class neighborhood in Tunis lives Aya, a sixteen-year-old veiled teenager who secretly cultivates her passion for skateboarding in the affluent suburbs. She lives with her mother Myriam, who struggles to make ends meet as an employee in a shopping center, in an environment dominated by the Salafist rigorism of Sheikh Amine. When Myriam meets Hakim, a considerate man, she fears the consequences of a romantic relationship in this context. However, the seventeenth birthday of Aya marks the unexpected return of Youssef, her father, after a seven-year absence. Youssef, a former jihadist battling terminal cancer, is mysteriously abandoned by his former comrades in the mountains, right at his doorstep. Despite the inherent risks, Myriam and Aya decide to hide him, thus putting their own existence in jeopardy. Caught in this heart- wrenching dilemma, Myriam is faced with a difficult choice: should she denounce Youssef or protect her daughter Aya? Is there any hope for reconciliation? However, Youssef's secret is ultimately revealed, thus alerting the police. Against all odds, Aya makes a decision that will irrevocably alter the destiny of her family.

Moufida Fedhila

Director

Director’s Statement

In "Girl of Wind," I transition from exploring childhood themes and perspectives in my short film "Aya" to delve into the resolute struggle of a young teenage girl against the confinement of her mind and body. "Girl of Wind" is a coming-of-age film, immersing viewers in Aya's relentless pursuit of freedom, rebellion against suffocating social norms, and her courageous fight to carve her own path within a system determined to constrain her. Transgression is a prevailing theme throughout the film. I envision this film as a subversive act, fearlessly challenging established norms and conventions. My creative journey, focused on exploring the essence of contemporary Tunisia, led me to patiently wait ten years before bringing my first feature film to life. This time allowed the actress embodying Aya's character to mature organically, paving the way for a narrative that chronicles her tumultuous adolescence. Through this narrative exploration, I embark on an epic journey, incorporating a distinctive aesthetic, charismatic characters, dramatic intensity, and existential depth that resonates with our era. "Girl of Wind" delves into the profound challenges of a transitioning society, reflecting on the social, political, and religious dynamics shaping it. The film sheds light on burning frustrations, deep aspirations, and existential questioning of individuals trapped between two worlds, offering an intimate glimpse into their struggles and moral dilemmas.

Mehdi Hmili

Producer

Producer’s Note

After successfully producing her acclaimed short film "Aya", which earned recognition at over 200 prestigious festivals and won numerous awards, and was also acquired by Netflix, it was a natural next step to continue our collaboration with Moufida Fedhila. Her remarkable journey and dedication make her the ideal candidate to bring "Girl of Wind'' to life. This film is crucial for us, offering an exceptional narrative structure that resonates globally. Drawing from her own experiences, Fedhila fearlessly addresses themes of cruelty and fanaticism with poetic precision. "Girl of Wind'' delves into the journey of a young teenager and her mother, both trapped by societal constraints and hypocrisy. The narrative is guided by resilient female protagonists and is adorned by captivating settings and characters, creating a rich visual tapestry. We firmly believe that "Girl of Wind" tells a powerful and essential story, exploring the depths of human nature while also bearing witness to Tunisia's history. We have unwavering confidence in Fedhila's creative prowess to make this narrative universally resonant. The film's unique storytelling, the growing interest in the female experience, the exploration of boundless possibilities, and its universal relevance all lead to an eagerly anticipated encounter between "Girl of Wind" and a global audience. It promises to leave an indelible mark on the contemporary cinematic landscape.

Producer’s Filmography

Dogma Films is a Tunisian film production company celebrated for its innovative and fearless approach to filmmaking. With an indelible mark on the industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and delivering thought-provoking content to global audiences, Dogma Films stands as a vanguard in the film industry. 

The company has undertaken the noble mission of bearing witness to profound events, whether they are poignant human narratives or pivotal moments in history. This unwavering commitment positions cinema as a potent vehicle for both social impact and storytelling, further solidifying Dogma Films as a driving force in the realm of independent film.