DIRECTOR: Nada Mezni Hafaiedh
STARRING: Amina Ben Ismail, Mohammed Mrad, Aymen Ben Hmida, Sana Ben Cheikh Larbi, Fatima Ben Saidane
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 36 minutes
LANGUAGE: Arabic
When Shams' intersex identity is exposed, the young seamstress' tranquil life unravels. Engaged in a steamy love triangle and targeted by an obsessive attacker, they escape to the capital city. Taking refuge with their lover's mystic cousin, they grapple with their complex sense of self.
***
Take My Breath is the third feature film from director Nada Mezni Hafaiedh. The film had its world premiere at the Warsaw Film Festival in 2023. It later debuted in theatres across Tunisia in October 2023. Mad Solutions picked up world sales rights for the feature.
The country’s National Cinema Centre announced the selection on October 1st, with just over 24 hours to go until the deadline for submission to the category for the 97th Academy Awards, at 5 p.m. PT on October 2.
Slim Hafaiedh of Leyth Production and Ziad H. Hamzeh of Hamzeh Mystique Films co-produced.
Take My Breath is a drama and it was filmed in Tunis, Tunisia.
To check out all previous submissions for Tunisia, click HERE.
STARRING: Amina Ben Ismail, Mohammed Mrad, Aymen Ben Hmida, Sana Ben Cheikh Larbi, Fatima Ben Saidane
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 36 minutes
LANGUAGE: Arabic
When Shams' intersex identity is exposed, the young seamstress' tranquil life unravels. Engaged in a steamy love triangle and targeted by an obsessive attacker, they escape to the capital city. Taking refuge with their lover's mystic cousin, they grapple with their complex sense of self.
***
Take My Breath is the third feature film from director Nada Mezni Hafaiedh. The film had its world premiere at the Warsaw Film Festival in 2023. It later debuted in theatres across Tunisia in October 2023. Mad Solutions picked up world sales rights for the feature.
The country’s National Cinema Centre announced the selection on October 1st, with just over 24 hours to go until the deadline for submission to the category for the 97th Academy Awards, at 5 p.m. PT on October 2.
Slim Hafaiedh of Leyth Production and Ziad H. Hamzeh of Hamzeh Mystique Films co-produced.
Take My Breath is a drama and it was filmed in Tunis, Tunisia.
To check out all previous submissions for Tunisia, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Why was I born like this?”
Take My Breath, the third feature by Tunisian director Nada Mezni Hafaiedh, is a bold and evocative exploration of identity, desire, and societal prejudice. The film's strength lies in its raw, emotionally charged storytelling, which brings to light the often-overlooked struggles of intersex individuals. Set against the backdrop of Tunisia’s vibrant yet conservative culture, the film challenges the audience to reflect on gender identity and the complexities that come with navigating a world that doesn’t fully understand or accept difference. Through its thought-provoking narrative and strong performances, Take My Breath shines as a powerful contribution to modern Arabic-language cinema.
At the heart of the story is Shams, a young seamstress whose life unravels when their intersex identity is exposed. Amina Ben Ismail’s portrayal of Shams is nothing short of mesmerizing. She delivers a nuanced and emotionally rich performance, capturing the confusion, pain, and strength of someone grappling with their identity in the face of public scrutiny and personal upheaval. Ben Ismail’s ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining a sense of inner resolve makes Shams a character the audience can deeply empathize with, and her journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The supporting cast, including standout performances from Sana Ben Cheikh Larbi, Mohammed Mrad, and veteran actress Fatima Ben Saidane, adds depth to the film’s narrative. Each character serves as a mirror to Shams’ struggle, whether through love, obsession, or wisdom. Her cousin, in particular, brings an intriguing layer of spiritual reflection to the story, offering Shams, and the audience, a glimpse into the possibility of inner peace and acceptance. This spiritual undercurrent blends seamlessly with the film’s more intense moments, including a steamy love triangle and the lurking threat of an obsessive attacker, adding suspense and complexity to the plot.
Hafaiedh’s direction is fearless, bringing a fresh and necessary voice to Tunisian cinema. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions surrounding identity, desire, and societal rejection. Instead, she embraces them, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between the intimate, cloistered spaces of Shams’ world and the vast, chaotic landscape of the capital city, symbolizing the clash between personal identity and societal expectations.
Take My Breath is a film that sparks important discussions about gender, identity, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that may not always accept you. Nada Mezni Hafaiedh has crafted a poignant and visually arresting film that will resonate not only with Tunisian audiences but with viewers worldwide. With its fearless approach to storytelling and its exploration of themes that are rarely addressed in cinema, Take My Breath is an unforgettable film that marks the arrival of a significant new voice in global cinema.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Why was I born like this?”
Take My Breath, the third feature by Tunisian director Nada Mezni Hafaiedh, is a bold and evocative exploration of identity, desire, and societal prejudice. The film's strength lies in its raw, emotionally charged storytelling, which brings to light the often-overlooked struggles of intersex individuals. Set against the backdrop of Tunisia’s vibrant yet conservative culture, the film challenges the audience to reflect on gender identity and the complexities that come with navigating a world that doesn’t fully understand or accept difference. Through its thought-provoking narrative and strong performances, Take My Breath shines as a powerful contribution to modern Arabic-language cinema.
At the heart of the story is Shams, a young seamstress whose life unravels when their intersex identity is exposed. Amina Ben Ismail’s portrayal of Shams is nothing short of mesmerizing. She delivers a nuanced and emotionally rich performance, capturing the confusion, pain, and strength of someone grappling with their identity in the face of public scrutiny and personal upheaval. Ben Ismail’s ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining a sense of inner resolve makes Shams a character the audience can deeply empathize with, and her journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The supporting cast, including standout performances from Sana Ben Cheikh Larbi, Mohammed Mrad, and veteran actress Fatima Ben Saidane, adds depth to the film’s narrative. Each character serves as a mirror to Shams’ struggle, whether through love, obsession, or wisdom. Her cousin, in particular, brings an intriguing layer of spiritual reflection to the story, offering Shams, and the audience, a glimpse into the possibility of inner peace and acceptance. This spiritual undercurrent blends seamlessly with the film’s more intense moments, including a steamy love triangle and the lurking threat of an obsessive attacker, adding suspense and complexity to the plot.
Hafaiedh’s direction is fearless, bringing a fresh and necessary voice to Tunisian cinema. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions surrounding identity, desire, and societal rejection. Instead, she embraces them, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between the intimate, cloistered spaces of Shams’ world and the vast, chaotic landscape of the capital city, symbolizing the clash between personal identity and societal expectations.
Take My Breath is a film that sparks important discussions about gender, identity, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that may not always accept you. Nada Mezni Hafaiedh has crafted a poignant and visually arresting film that will resonate not only with Tunisian audiences but with viewers worldwide. With its fearless approach to storytelling and its exploration of themes that are rarely addressed in cinema, Take My Breath is an unforgettable film that marks the arrival of a significant new voice in global cinema.
