Watch Halfaouine

Halfaouine is a coming-of-age film directed by Selim Boughedir set in Tunisia in the 1960s. The movie follows the life of Noura, a thirteen-year-old boy who lives in the Halfaouine district of Tunis. The district is known for its lively markets, cafes, and public baths. Noura is not just a boy, but he is also living in Halfaouine, an area in which men and women still practice traditions like men going to the public bath.

The movie starts when Noura is caught by his mother spying on a group of women at the bathhouse. His mother, who is a traditional and conservative woman, forbids Noura to leave the house until he grows up to be a man. However, Noura is not confined to the house entirely. He spends his days with his friends, swims in a nearby river, and secretly meets with his cousin's girlfriend, whom he has a crush on. Noura starts to navigate the complexities of adulthood as he learns about sex, relationships, and gender dynamics.

Despite being a young boy, Noura is drawn to women and finds himself trying to understand the mystery that surrounds them. He is surrounded by women in his life - his mother, aunt, and grandmother, as well as the women he observes at the bathhouse. However, what he sees contrasts with what he hears from the adults around him, namely that women are a source of temptation for men and must be controlled. The movie touches on themes including cultural identity, gender, sexuality, and coming of age. It also explores the struggle between conservative and modern values.

One of the notable scenes in the movie is when Noura and his friends venture into a red-light district with prostitutes outside Halfaouine, where Noura has a romantic encounter with a young, pregnant prostitute. This interaction forms the basis of Noura's quest to understand women better, a quest that is told with artistic skill and sensitivity.

Another standout is the cinematography, which is stunning. The director of photography captures the vibrant colors and everyday life of Tunisia with visually dynamic shots that provide an almost sensual experience. The use of natural lighting and the depiction of the city's vibrant marketplace gave the movie a sense of realism.

The movie also explores the themes of secrecy and secrecy in society. Noura and his friends often have to hide what they do from the adults, who they feel do not understand them. The irony is, their parents and the other adults around them also keep secrets from them, namely their attitudes towards sex, gender, and intimacy. When Noura's cousin declares his intentions to marry his girlfriend, the traditions of the society they live in conflict with the couple's desires, leading to a dramatic confrontation. This scene parallels Noura's own quest to understand the desires and impulses of others who he perceives as having a different cultural identity from his own.

Overall, Halfaouine is a beautifully shot, touching film that explores the complexities of Tunisian society in the 1960s. Audiences will be drawn into Noura's world and the societal pressures he and his friends face. Through Noura's eyes, viewers come to see how sexuality, gender, and identity are deeply intertwined with culture and tradition. Halfaouine is a masterpiece of cinema and a worthy portrayal of a particular moment in North African history.

Halfaouine is a 1990 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.