As I Open My Eyes
Directed by Leyla Bouzid
Release Year: 2015
Running time: 102
Country:
Tunisia, France, Belgium
Language:
Arabic with English subtitles
Directed by:
Leyla Bouzid
Cast:
Marwen Soltana, Youssef Soltana, Deena Abdelwahed, Lassaad Jamoussi, Aymen Omrani, Montassar Ayari, Ghalia Benali, Baya Medhaffar
As I Open My Eyes depicts the clash between culture and family as seen through the eyes of a young Tunisian woman balancing the traditional expectations of her family with her creative life as the singer in a politically charged rock band. Director Leyla Bouzid's musical feature debut offers a nuanced portrait of the individual implications of the incipient Arab Spring.
Reviews
New York Times Critics' Pick "Ms. Medhaffar has the charisma, if not the voice, of the young Joan Baez." -New York Times
"Best fictional film yet about the Arab Spring." -Indiewire
"Showcases a stand-out lead performance by first-timer Baya Medhaffar." -Variety