In a desolate village in northern Tunisia, a mother has sent two of her sons to the warfront. Caught between loneliness, uncertainty, and grief, she is shaken when one of her sons suddenly returns. He brings with him a silent, pregnant woman. But this homecoming, far from mending the past, heralds a new darkness that engulfs the home and the village.
Meryam Joobeur’s debut feature film, Who Do I Belong To, expands on her Oscar-nominated short film Brotherhood (2018). This time, the director weaves a deeper, more poetic narrative, placing the mother figure at its heart.
The Story: Maternal Love and the Shadow of Darkness
The protagonist, Aïcha, is devastated by her sons’ radicalization and departure for war. Her son Mehdi’s return initially feels like a miracle. However, the presence of his reticent bride and the growing distrust in the village reveal that this reunion will not heal old wounds but rather deepen them.
The film portrays the conflict between a mother’s love and her suspicions, blending realistic and mythical imagery. Dream sequences inspired by Tunisian folktale traditions form the foundation of the film’s mesmerizing atmosphere.
The Director’s Vision: Between Reality and Magic
Joobeur describes the film as “telling very real emotions within a slightly surreal world.”
- Magical Realism: Scenes, dreams, and omens inspired by Tunisian folklore seep into the narrative.
- Feminine Gaze: The perspective shifts from radicalized men to the mothers, wives, and silenced women left behind.
- Identity and Belonging: As the title asks, who does an individual belong to? Themselves, their family, or the web of ideology?
Visual Texture and Acting
Cinematographer Vincent Gonneville juxtaposes Tunisia’s vast steppes with claustrophobic interiors. Nature and domestic spaces feel both protective and threatening at once.
The cast, blending professional and amateur actors, delivers performances with near-documentary authenticity.
Awards and Festival Success
Since its 2024 premiere, the film has embarked on a strong festival run:
🎬 Berlin Film Festival 2024 – Competed for the Golden Bear.
🏆 Hong Kong International Film Festival – Best Director Award, Meryam Joobeur.
🏆 Windsor International Film Festival – WIFF Prize in Canadian Film.
The film also received special screenings and acclaim at Toronto, Marrakech, and Montreal festivals.
Critical Reception
- RogerEbert.com: “Mesmerizingly poetic, unsettlingly magical realist… a powerful debut.”
- Film Fest Report: “Striking, shattering, and unforgettable.”
- Cineuropa: “A poetic lament woven with magical realism.”
- The Film Verdict: Noted occasional narrative confusion but praised its “visual splendor and performances.”
Overall, the film is described as “poetic, bold, and deeply unsettling.”
Apartment No:26 Note
Who Do I Belong To is not just about radicalization but also about motherhood, loss, and identity. It’s a story that screams through its silence. With her debut feature, Meryam Joobeur crafts a language that is both poetic and political. Following Cannes and Berlin, her name seems poised to resonate even further.
