Event info

Selma, a psychoanalyst, deals with a cast of colourful new patients after returning home to Tunisia to open a practice. In this sophisticated comedy, Manele Labidi opens a fascinating window into modern Tunisia at a crossroads, with a story of contrasts, contradictions and culture clashes, full of vitality and humour.

Farahani (seen at the Festival in 2016 in Jim Jarmusch's Paterson and who's worked with greats like Asghar Farhadi) gives a powerful and compelling performance. She hits all the comic beats and deftly inhabits a character, who, above all, wants to do what's right. Arab Blues develops with an irresistible charm while not sidestepping bigger questions about both a country and a woman at a crossroads.

“If Woody Allen were a French-Tunisian woman, he would have made something such as Arab Blues. Golshifteh Farahani has a magnetic and hugely watchable presence.”

“A sparkling, hilarious and original comedy, which sheds an absolutely new light on a country still struggling with cultural change. An incredibly alive, fun, intelligent and hopeful film, which never bores. ”

Shown either with Icelandic or English subtitles (varies between screenings)!