A lost sheep, a drowning boy, and colonial guilt you can't wash off.
A farm in Tunisia at the time of the French protectorate. The children Hamida, a shepherd boy, and Renaud, grandson of a French farm owner, are friends. One day, the parentless Hamida falls into a river while searching for a lost sheep. Renaud, who accidentally caused the loss of the sheep, rescues him, but Hamida falls dangerously ill with pneumonia. Can Renaud help his friend?
Direction
Mailland's unflinching gaze at colonial complicity through children's eyes.
Cinematography
Harsh Tunisian light that makes the river look almost merciful.
Director
Jean Mailland
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot during Tunisia's early independence (1956), the film quietly interrogates the recently-ended French protectorate from within, making it a rare self-critical colonial text.
Lead actor Amor Aouini was a non-professional shepherd discovered near the filming location; his authentic handling of sheep was deemed irreplaceable by trained actors.
XG
TN
