The Opera Theater at the Cité de la Culture in Tunis hosted, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Tunisian pre-premiere of the feature film “Jad”, directed by Jamil Ennajar, in the presence of a large audience and members of the press who warmly welcomed this deeply human and socially conscious work.
The film is inspired by a true story that once shook Tunisian public opinion — the tragedy of a doctor at the regional hospital in Jendouba who fell inside a broken elevator. The shocking incident opened a nationwide debate on the state of Tunisia’s public health system, which Ennajar transforms into a sensitive cinematic exploration of humanity, institutional fragility, and moral responsibility.
Set in a public hospital, “Jad” follows the intersecting destinies of two men from vastly different social backgrounds: a wealthy businessman injured in a car accident, and a poor construction worker who falls during his shift. Their chance encounter in the same hospital becomes the catalyst for a tragic and thought-provoking narrative that exposes deep social inequalities and the structural challenges within the healthcare system—while portraying the daily struggles of doctors, nurses, and patients alike.
The film features a stellar Tunisian cast, including Mohamed Mourad, Yasmine Dimassi, Sawsan Maalej, Souhir Ben Amara, Abdelkarim Benani, Jamal Sassi, Mohamed Ali Ben Jomaa, and Fathi Moslemany. Each performance stands out for its emotional honesty and realism, free of exaggeration, allowing the audience to fully engage with the authenticity of the story.
Actor Mohamed Mourad received the Audience Award for his performance in “Jad” at the Casablanca Film Festival in July 2025, in recognition of a powerful and heartfelt portrayal that resonated deeply with viewers and critics alike.
The film is set to officially release in Tunisian theaters on October 22, with the production team announcing that all proceeds will be donated to support public hospitals—a symbolic gesture reflecting the spirit of solidarity and social responsibility at the heart of the film’s message.
More than just a film, “Jad” serves as a mirror of Tunisia’s collective conscience, transforming cinema into a space for empathy, reflection, and reform. Through Jamil Ennajar’s delicate direction and expressive visuals, the film blends artistic integrity with human truth, leaving audiences moved, reflective, and profoundly aware of the need .
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
