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A journey through the violence: ‘Red Path’ and the rise of Tunisian cinema
A harrowing real-life inspiration
In November 2015, the serene yet impoverished Mghila Mountain in Tunisia became the site of an unfathomable violence. A jihadist group brutally attacked two young shepherds, killing one and forcing the survivor to deliver a gory message to his family. This real-life horror laid the foundation for Lotfi Achour’s intense drama, “Red Path,” which captured audiences during the Meet the Neighbors competition at the Thessaloniki Film Festival.
The director’s emotional journey
Initially, Achour hesitated to transform this tragedy into a film. “At first, I dismissed the idea of making a film based on this story,” he shared. However, when the second brother faced a similar fate a year and a half later, it ignited an undeniable drive within him to tell this story. No longer an isolated incident, it revealed a premeditated pattern of violence by jihadists, compelling Achour to create a narrative around it.
Through a child’s eyes: ‘Red Path’
“Red Path” presents this grotesque history through the eyes of 14-year-old Ashraf (Ali Hleli). The young boy not only witnesses his cousin’s beheading but also undergoes the horrific ordeal of bringing the severed head back to his family as a stark warning. Achour adeptly combines stark naturalism with elements of magical realism to weave a poignant coming-of-age tale.
Exploring childhood amidst violence
“What struck me first was the question of childhood in the face of such terrible violence,” Achour explained. By focusing on Ashraf, the film delves into the mind of a child confronted with extraordinary brutality. “I wasn’t interested in those who practiced the violence but in the consequences of it on a child.”
A child’s understanding of death, Achour noted, is inherently different from that of an adult. “The boundaries between the real and the imaginary are often blurred and more fragile.” This perspective guided the film’s visual and narrative style, as it navigates Ashraf’s initial moments and hours following his cousin’s death.
Crafting authenticity through meticulous preparation
Achour, a seasoned Tunisian director and producer, has extensive experience working with young actors, having produced over 25 theatrical plays and several shorts. The casting process for “Red Path” spanned almost a year, with over 500 teenagers auditioning for the main roles. Achour and his team conducted workshops across rural Tunisia, including sessions with children who had dropped out of school, immersing themselves in the realities and themes the film sought to portray.
Ali Hleli, chosen early in the casting process, embodied Ashraf through months of preparation and rehearsals. “His performance is not grounded on youthful spontaneity but the result of meticulous preparation,” said Achour, detailing how they shot on real sets to create a deeply immersive environment.
A glimmer of hope amidst the darkness
Parallel to Ashraf’s harrowing story is a tender budding romance between him and his friend Rahma. Achour aimed to inject this storyline with hope and complexity, capturing the adolescent awakening of love and sensuality. The interaction between Ashraf and Rahma offers a poignant juxtaposition to the film’s central tragedy.
Their growing affection serves to ease their grief, magnifying their youthful beauty and the depth of their feelings. It’s a narrative choice that provides a nuanced layer to the otherwise somber tale.
A renaissance in Tunisian cinema
Reflecting on the current landscape of Tunisian cinema, Achour expressed optimism. He noted a “wonderful period” marked by the emergence of distinctive voices and unique styles, despite the challenges of creating ambitious projects. The success of figures like Kaouther Ben Hania, who achieved two Oscar nominations within five years, underscores a burgeoning scene that promises diversity and innovation.
Achour’s “Red Path” stands as a testament to this vibrant era, a film that is both a personal artistic obsession and a cultural reflection. It exemplifies the power of storytelling to confront trauma and nurture resilience through creative expression.
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