New film ‘Marie & Jolie’ explores hidden lives in Tunis
A new cinematic journey
Paris-based sales agent Luxbox has thrown its support behind Erige Sehiri’s upcoming feature, Marie & Jolie. This drama, penned by Sehiri along with Anna Ciennik and Malika Cécile Louati, delves into the lives of quiet Christian communities nestled within the predominantly Muslim city of Tunis. The film is being produced by Henia Production and Didar Domehri of Maneki Films, with Pathé Afrique and Jour2Fête on board as the Tunisian and French distributors, respectively. Production is currently in full swing.
A story of hidden faith and migration
Marie & Jolie is set against the backdrop of a bustling Tunisian metropolis and follows the lives of three women—played by Aïssa Maïga, Laetitia Ky, and newcomer Deborah Naney—who share a house that doubles as a clandestine Evangelical church. The plot thickens when they take in a child migrant who has survived a shipwreck, forcing each woman to reevaluate her place in the household and society at large.
A fresh perspective on migration
Sehiri’s narrative aims to shed light on the often-overlooked stories of migrants within Africa. “We often hear about people who migrate from Africa to Europe, while 80% of migrants actually migrate within Africa,” Sehiri explains. “Among them, some settle in North Africa. Telling their stories opens up new perspectives, another way of looking at the world.”
Casting with a purpose
Sehiri’s casting choices were deeply intentional. “I chose each actress because of who they are in the real world,” she says. “They had to immerse themselves in the reality of today’s Tunisia, with its economic and migratory crises, and both violence and racism towards the Black population, and then free themselves from all of that.”
A collaborative effort
Sehiri and producer Didar Domehri have a history of successful collaboration. Their previous project, Under the Fig Trees, won accolades at the Final Cut in Venice in 2021 and was selected to represent Tunisia at the 2023 Oscars. Domehri is enthusiastic about their latest venture. “I’m very happy to produce the new film by the talented Erige Sehiri,” she says. “Here again, she creates complex characters and conveys a subtle and original perspective on the place of women and their migration in Tunisia.”
A spotlight on invisible stories
Marie & Jolie promises to be a compelling exploration of the lives of women facing increasingly complicated situations. The film aims to highlight stories that are often invisible, offering a nuanced look at the intersection of faith, migration, and identity in contemporary Tunisia.
For those eager to get a glimpse of this intriguing narrative, you can watch the trailer for Marie & Jolie here.
The broader context of migration in cinema
The theme of migration has been a rich vein for filmmakers to explore, offering a lens through which to examine broader societal issues. Films like Marie & Jolie not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought, challenging audiences to see the world from different perspectives.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, I find films that tackle complex social issues particularly compelling. They offer more than just a story; they provide a window into the lives of people we might never meet and experiences we might never have. Marie & Jolie seems poised to do just that, offering a fresh perspective on migration and the hidden lives of women in Tunisia.
The power of storytelling
Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for change. By bringing to light the stories of those who are often overlooked, films like Marie & Jolie can foster empathy and understanding. They remind us that behind every statistic is a human being with hopes, dreams, and struggles.
Looking forward
As production continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or music, there’s something uniquely powerful about stories that challenge us to see the world differently.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest in cinema, TV series, and music, keep an eye on our platform. And don’t forget to check out the trailer for Marie & Jolie here.
Final thoughts
In a world where stories of migration are often reduced to headlines and statistics, Marie & Jolie offers a much-needed human perspective. It’s a film that promises to be both timely and timeless, shedding light on the complexities of faith, identity, and belonging in a rapidly changing world.