Italian
Films Boutique has picked up international rights to Amel Guellaty’s “Where the Wind Comes From” (formerly known as “Tunis-Djerba”), ahead of its world premiere in Sundance’s World Dramatic Competition.
The International Film Festival Rotterdam will host the European premiere of the coproduction between Tunisia, France and Qatar, which is Guellaty’s first feature.
In the film, fearless spirit Alyssa and sensitive artist Mehdi, best friends since childhood, feel cramped in their life on the outskirts of Tunis. When Alyssa discovers an artist contest in Djerba that might be their ticket out, she pulls Mehdi into a fantastical journey across Tunisia that will put their friendship to the test.
Gabor Greiner, COO and head of acquisitions at Films Boutique, said: “We immediately connected to Amel’s heartwarming, quirky and entertaining film about two best friends from a Tunisian generation full of hope for a better future. This heartfelt and charming road movie will connect to audiences worldwide. Be ready for a very special journey.”
Popular on Variety The Tunisian Arabic-language film stars Eya Bellagha and Slim Baccar. Cinematography is by Frida Marzouk, and editing is by Amel Guellaty, with sound by Aymen Labidi.
The film is produced by Atlas Vision (Tunisia) and co-produced with Haut Les Mains Productions (France). The producers are Asma Chiboub and Karim Aitouna. The co-producer is Chadi Abo.
It was produced with the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image (Tunisia), the Ministere des affaires culturelles tunisien, the Centre National du cinema et de l’image animee (France), Aide à la coproduction franco-tunisienne, Region Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, Fonds Image de la Francophonie, Aide aux Cinemas du Monde – Centre national du cinema et de l’image animee – Institut Francais, the Doha Film Institute, AFAC – Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Region Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and Visions Sud-Est.
