The Carthage Film Festival never fails to surprise us, and this year’s lineup is especially exciting. From intimate family struggles to rebellious road trips and sweeping historical moments, these films take us across the Arab world and beyond—each one offering a powerful story rooted in place, memory, and imagination. Here are the movies we absolutely can’t wait to see at Carthage.
The Burdened — Yemen
This deeply moving film follows Ahmed and Isra’a, a married couple already stretched thin while raising three children in the middle of Yemen’s ongoing economic crisis.
When Isra’a discovers she’s pregnant again, joy quickly turns into fear: how do you welcome a new life when you can barely afford the ones you already have? With quiet intensity, The Burdened captures the impossible choices families are forced to make to survive. It’s intimate, heartbreaking, and painfully real.
Cotton Queen — Sudan
Set in a cotton-farming village in Sudan, Cotton Queen centers on teenage Nafisa, who grows up harvesting cotton and listening to her grandmother’s stories of resistance against British colonizers. Life feels steady—until a businessman returns from abroad with promises of “progress,” genetically modified cotton, and a future that threatens to erase the village’s past.
As Nafisa is pulled into a battle over land, power, and identity, she begins to discover her own strength. This is a coming-of-age story wrapped in history, environmental struggle, and fierce female resilience.
The Stories — Egypt / Austria
Abu Bakr Shawky returns with a warm and witty film set between Egypt and Austria during the late 20th century. In Nasser-era Cairo—a place buzzing with rumors, sarcasm, and impossible dreams—Ahmed is a stubborn young pianist in a football-loving family that has no patience for artists.
When a mysterious letter arrives from Elizabeth in Vienna, the world of classical music suddenly collides with Cairo’s chaos. The Stories is about chasing unlikely dreams, resisting expectations, and holding onto art in places where practicality always comes first.
Where the Wind Comes From — Tunisia
This beautifully crafted road movie follows Alyssa, a fearless 19-year-old rebel, and Mehdi, a shy 23-year-old artist, as they chase a chance to escape their suffocating reality. When they hear about a contest that could change their lives, they hit the road from Tunis to Djerba.
More than just a journey across Tunisia, the film explores freedom, friendship, and the quiet ache of a generation longing for air. With striking visuals, bold color contrasts, and tender performances, the story reminds us that sometimes escape isn’t about leaving—it’s about understanding where you belong.
Palestine 36 — Palestine
Set during the 1936 Palestinian revolt against British colonial rule, Palestine 36 follows Yusuf as he moves between his village and Jerusalem at a moment when history is about to turn. As tensions rise, British authority tightens, and Jewish refugees arrive from Europe, the region stands on the edge of irreversible change.
Both personal and political, the film captures a decisive moment with urgency and humanity. It’s no surprise that it has been selected as Palestine’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards.
Final Thoughts
What makes this year’s Carthage lineup so exciting is its range: different countries, generations, and cinematic styles, all united by a shared desire to tell stories that matter. These films don’t just entertain—they challenge, move, and linger with you long after the credits roll. We’ll definitely be saving front-row seats.
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