Following a series of outstanding Tunisian films, such as Halfauine, Biznass and The Gulf War, producer Ahmad Attia delivered yet another feature with a social awareness as its main theme. His previous films stirred not only European interest, but also at home, where Arab intellectuals and public viewed them as alternately daring and an exploitation of Arabic and Islamic culture.

Silences of the Palaces ignited the same argument, despite its distant historical setting.

The film returns Tunisia to its days as a kingdom at the beginning of the century. The story centres on a girl. Alia, played by Ghalia Lacroix (Nouri Bou Zeed's Biznass), the daughter of a servant. Alia seeks freedom as she tries to escape a similar destiny. She finds release in singing - not only as an expression of her troubles, but also as a cultural act in which she could seek new social status.

Director Moufida Tlatli graduated from IDILEC, the famous French film school, in 1968. After working as an editor on a number of Arabic films,Samt Al Qusour is her debut as a director.

Cathy Dunkley

Prod co: Cinetelefilm and Magfilm (Tunisia), Mat Films (France)

Prod: Ahmad Attia, Richard Magnien

Dir: Moufida Tlatli

Scr: Moufida Tlatli

Ph: Youssef Ben Yousse

Sound: Faouzi Thabet

Mus: Anouar Brahem

Ed: Moufida Tlatli

Cast: Amel Hedhili, Hend Sabri, Najia Ouerghi, Ghalia Lacroix, Sami Bouajila

Running time: 127 minutes

International sales: Camera d'Or

Screening: 28 June, 12.00, Jalta

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