Jan. 01, 1990|France|98 Min.|Unrated
Genre: Adult;Comedy;Drama
Description: Ferid Boughedir’s film “Halfaouine: Boy of the Terraces” (1990) is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story filled with warmth, sensuality, and wit. The film captures the essence of the historic Halfaouine district in Tunis, showcasing the director’s deep affection for the area and his admiration for women. Boughedir, a prominent Arab film critic, presents a rare and heartfelt celebration of female beauty, dignity, and mystery in his feature debut.
The story follows 13-year-old Noura (played by Selim Boughedir, the director’s nephew), a boy caught in the transitional phase of adolescence. Noura’s life takes a pivotal turn during a visit to a women’s Turkish bath with his mother. There, he begins to recognize his attraction to the opposite sex, a moment observed by the bath’s observant proprietor. This marks the start of Noura’s journey of self-discovery, as he navigates the complexities of growing up in a society where men and women lead largely separate lives.
Noura’s father, a traditional and domineering man, runs a fabric shop and often flirts with female customers. Their relationship is distant, leaving Noura to seek guidance from Salih (Mohammed Driss), a shoemaker and free-spirited writer who serves as his mentor. Through Salih, the film subtly addresses the political tensions that linger beneath the surface of Halfaouine’s vibrant community.
Boughedir’s graceful storytelling and nuanced characters make “Halfaouine: Boy of the Terraces” a timeless exploration of youth, identity, and the cultural dynamics of Tunisian society.
Cast director: Férid Boughedir
Cast actor: Selim Boughedir, Mustafa Adouani, Rabia Ben Abdallah, Mohammed Driss, Hélène Catzaras, Fatima Ben Saïdane, Carolyn Chelby, Abdelhamid Guayas, Jamel Sassi, Zahira Ben Ammar
Original name: عصفور السطح