Tunisian filmmaker Imen Ben Hassen has affirmed that Tunisian cinema continues to strengthen its presence at major international film festivals, thanks to the quality of its productions and the boldness of the themes they explore.
Speaking following her participation as a jury member in the Feature-Length Fiction Competition at the 26th edition of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, Ben Hassen described the appointment as both an honor and a significant responsibility.
She noted that serving on the jury of a major international festival offered a valuable opportunity to engage with diverse cinematic experiences from around the world, discover emerging storytelling trends, and exchange perspectives with filmmakers from different cultural backgrounds.
According to Ben Hassen, the evaluation of films extends beyond technical execution to encompass artistic authenticity, originality of vision, the strength of the screenplay, and the filmmaker’s ability to transform an idea into a compelling visual and emotional experience. She emphasized that the most memorable films are those that leave a lasting impact on audiences long after the screening has ended.
Reflecting on the current state of Arab cinema, Ben Hassen highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in recent years, particularly within Tunisia. She pointed out that Tunisian productions are now regularly featured at prestigious international festivals and have become increasingly competitive on the global stage. This success, she said, stems from a growing commitment to innovative cinematic language and the ability to tell local stories with universal human resonance.
She also stressed the importance of Arab representation within international festival juries, arguing that the inclusion of Arab filmmakers enriches global cinematic discussions by bringing diverse cultural perspectives and contributes to greater recognition of Arab creative talent worldwide.
Discussing the challenges faced by jury members, Ben Hassen explained that assessing films from different cultural and artistic traditions requires openness, objectivity, and the ability to approach each work according to its own creative framework rather than preconceived expectations.
As a filmmaker, she considers directorial vision to be the most decisive element in a film’s success. While acknowledging the importance of story, screenplay, and performance, she believes that a director’s unique artistic perspective is what ultimately transforms a project into a distinctive cinematic experience.
Ben Hassen also praised the growing role of women in Arab and Tunisian filmmaking. She noted that female directors have achieved significant international recognition in recent years through award-winning productions and innovative storytelling, adding that while challenges remain, current developments are highly encouraging.
Looking ahead, the Tunisian filmmaker revealed that she is currently developing several new projects, including a feature film centered on human and social issues related to family, identity, and intergenerational relationships. She added that, unlike some of her previous works, the upcoming project will not focus on political themes.
Concluding her remarks, Ben Hassen encouraged emerging filmmakers to remain faithful to their artistic voices and creative convictions. She emphasized that authentic cinema is born from a genuine desire to tell stories and express deeply held ideas, praising the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival for its continued support of Arab cinema and its role in showcasing new creative talents to international audiences.
TunisianMonitorNews (Douha Essaafi)
