Films from Morocco, Tunisia to compete at Malta's Mediterrane Film Festival

Two films from Arab countries - The Wound (Morocco) and Where the Wind Comes From (Tunisia) - will screen in the Official Competition of the 3rd Mediterrane Film Festival (21-29 June) held in the heart of Malta

The Mediterrane Film Festival, now in its third edition this year, "serves as a vibrant platform for Malta to strengthen its film brand image internationally and further attract film business to our islands," according to the festival's website.

Both The Wound and Where the Wind Comes From are powerful stories. This year, they are the only contestants from North Africa and the Arab World in the Mediterrane Film Festival's main competition.

Directed by Seloua El Gouni, The Wound tells the story of Leila, a young Moroccan girl who has just entered the workforce and tries to pursue her passions and ambitions while navigating the thorny societal constraints imposed on women under the guise of tradition and cultural norms.

The film offers a poignant insight into cultural complexities and women's challenges in contemporary Moroccan society.

The Wound stars Oumaima Barid, Amal Ayouch, Mansour Badri, Brice Bexter, Soraya Azzabi, Abdelhak Saleh, and Sami Fekkak.

The film will be screened on 23 and 24 June.

Tunisian entry, Where the Wind Comes From, is a debut feature by Amel Guellaty.

The plot follows the fearless spirit of Alyssa and sensitive artist Mehdi, who have been best friends since childhood and feel cramped in their lives on the outskirts of Tunis.

However, when Alyssa discovers an artist contest in Djerba that might be their ticket out, she pulls Mehdi on a fantastic journey across Tunisia, which will put their friendship to the test.

The film stars Eya Bellagha, Slim Baccar, Sondos Belhassen, and Lobna Noomene.

Where the Wind Comes From will screen on 24 and 26 June.

From : Al-Ahram