Ahmed, a young Parisian of Algerian origin, meets a student who has recently arrived from Tunisia on a public bench at the local university. They are children of different cultures. Vivid, energetic, and in love with literature, Farah introduces Ahmed to a world of sensual Arabic writings he never knew existed. He falls in love with her, and he tries yet fails to suppress a rising tide of desire. Capturing the essence of an era of cultural change, Bouzid’s film is an ode to literature, poetry, and exile, while also exploring the fear that comes with opening up to love.