Tunisian cinema made a striking appearance at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) with the world premiere of “Round 13”, directed by Mohamed Ali Nahdi. The film screened within the prestigious Critics’ Picks competition, receiving strong praise from international press and festival critics.
Lead actors Helmi Dridi and Afef Ben Mahmoud drew notable attention on the black carpet with their charismatic presence, before joining an engaging post-screening discussion that highlighted the emotional power of their performances.
A Human Drama About Faith, Pain, and Resilience
“Round 13” follows former boxing champion Kamel as he confronts the sudden illness of his young son, leading him into a profound internal struggle between strength, fear, and the possibility of loss.
After the screening, director Nahdi stated: “The film isn’t about a fight in the ring—it’s about the fight within, when a person faces losing what they love most.”
Outstanding Performances
Helmi Dridi delivers one of his strongest roles to date, while Afef Ben Mahmoud brings emotional depth and tenderness to the character of a mother navigating crisis alongside her husband.
An Arab–European Co-Production
Produced by Malek KouchaBti through Paprika Films and Atlas Vision, the film is a joint effort between Tunisia, Cyprus, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—reflecting the growing momentum of Arab cinema in international markets.
The film continues its screenings at PÖFF with the attendance of the cast and crew.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
