As a passionate follower of Lina Soualem‘s work, I can confidently say that her upcoming film “Alicante” is not just another movie; it’s a testament to her journey as a filmmaker and her exploration of identity, belonging, and exile. Having delved deep into the stories of her ancestors in documentaries like “Bye Bye Tiberias,” Lina now brings a somewhat lighter tale that continues her quest for understanding.
Film director Lina Soualem, who hails from France, Palestine, and Algeria, is preparing for her first full-length film with “Alicante.” This dramatic production stars her sister Mouna Soualem in the role of a young woman embarking on an introspective journey that leads her to Spain. Her previous works, including the critically acclaimed documentary “Bye Bye Tiberias,” which features her mother Hiam Abbas (known for her role in “Succession”), have already garnered attention at film festivals in Venice and Toronto.
Following her examination of the separation of her Algerian grandparents portrayed in “Their Algeria” and investigating the displacement of Hiam Abbas’s family from Tiberias due to the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, as detailed in “Bye Bye Tiberias,” Soualem intends to present a more upbeat narrative moving forward. However, this story will still delve into similar themes such as “questions of belonging and transmission and exiles between generations” and “finding your place in the world,” as she describes it.
As a movie critic, I’m excited to share that in the upcoming film “Alicante,” Mouna Soualem takes on the role of Assia, a 32-year-old Franco-Algerian photographer. This intriguing character has recently ended a long-term relationship with her American partner, having shared life together in the bustling metropolis of New York City.
Following her return to Paris, the city of her upbringing, she finds herself in pain and begins to ponder her longing for motherhood. To evade these profound existential concerns, she chooses to reunite with her kin in Spain, where her parents have recently established a restaurant in a bustling seaside resort close to Alicante. The synopsis states, “Assia, upon landing at the Alicante airport, is clueless about what awaits her.” It continues, “Initially intended as a family getaway, this trip transforms into a mission to revitalize a struggling business and restore balance within a precarious family dynamic.
The film titled ‘Alicante’ (still in production) is being brought to life by Easy Riders Films, a company based in Paris and helmed by Omar El Kadi and Nadia Turincev. This project will be presented to potential collaborators at the Atlas Workshops during the Marrakech Film Festival, under the guidance of American director Jeff Nichols.
In Marrakech, Lina Soualem conversed with EbMaster regarding the liberation she anticipates when moving from documentary to fictional filmmaking, as it would release her from the shackles of “actuality.” Moreover, she discussed the link between Alicante and Algeria.
“Alicante” seems to connect thematically with your previous work. Do you agree?
Absolutely! This film I’m working on is my first foray into fiction, but it still revolves around themes I’ve tackled in my previous work, be it documentaries or otherwise. These themes include issues of belonging, legacy, and the struggle to find one’s place when dealing with exilic experiences. As a woman, a mother, and a daughter, these themes resonate deeply with me. The protagonist is a young woman in her thirties who will be engaging primarily with women from her family. This project is a blend of the Algerian identity I delved into in my debut film and the interconnectedness between women that was central to my second film. I was excited to transition to fiction while retaining familiar ground, yet still having some creative leeway. Fiction provides me with the freedom to set aside the heavy reality that characterized my documentaries, due to the somber collective memory of Algeria, Palestine, and the colonial contexts in which they existed.
The summary indicates that “The Algerian family seems very comfortable in the local landscape reminiscent of their homeland.” I’d be happy to explain more about the possible link between Algeria and Alicante.
Alicante shares striking similarities with West Algeria, particularly Oran, geographically speaking. In fact, Oran is almost opposite Alicante, making it a popular boat ride for many. It’s approximately 300 kilometers away, so it’s quite accessible. Due to the high volume of Algerian immigration, you’ll find numerous shops with Arabic script, cultural centers, restaurants, and more that reflect Algerian influences. This blend of Spanish and Algerian cultures creates a visually intriguing contrast for me. Moreover, Alicante provides a refreshing alternative to the frequently discussed France-Algeria dynamics. The Algerian descendants of colonists often face stigmatization through a neo-colonial lens, and their relationship with France can be romanticized or problematic. By shifting the focus to a less burdened location like Alicante, I can offer a more nuanced portrayal of these individuals and provide them with the complexity they deserve, while also having greater creative freedom in shaping their interactions within the space.
Read More
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- „People who loved Dishonored and Prey are going to feel very at home.” Arkane veteran sparks appetite for new, untitled RPG
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- Destiny 2: A Closer Look at the Proposed In-Game Mailbox System
- Clash Royale Deck Discussion: Strategies and Sentiments from the Community
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Made a Christmas Movie to Help Process Her Grief
- ICP PREDICTION. ICP cryptocurrency
- Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic Was Inspired By Akira And Cowboy Bebop
- Critics Share Concerns Over Suicide Squad’s DLC Choices: Joker, Lawless, and Mrs. Freeze
- EUR IDR PREDICTION
2024-12-05 18:16