Skip to content
R15

HARKA

Genre
Drama
Running time
90 minutes
Year
2021
Language
Arabic
Subtitle
English
Country
Tunisia, France and Saudi Arabia
Director
Lotfy Nathan
Bio
Producer
Julie Viez, Alex Hugues, Riccardo Maddalosso, Eugene Kotlyarenko, Lotfy Nathan, Tariq Merhab, Nicole Romano, Maurice Fadida
Cast
Adam Bessa, Salima Maatoug, Najib Allagui, Ikbal Harbi
Scriptwriter
Lotfy Nathan
Harka is an impassioned plea for social justice set in Sidi Bouzid, the Tunisian city where the self-immolation of street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi in 2010 triggered the Jasmine Revolution. The thriller contains a powerhouse performance from French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa as Ali, an impoverished street-seller whose predicament is inspired by Bouazizi's story. Ali sells black market gasoline, risking his life every time he heads into the desert to buy supplies, but he's obliged to turn over most of his earnings in extortion payments to the police. Burdened by debts since his father's death and now responsible for his two younger sisters, he has to beg his brother – who has escaped the family to work as a waiter at a tourist hotel – for support. Director Lotfy Nathan's fictional debut was a stand-out in this year's Cannes Film Festival's Certain Regard section, where Bessa won the award for best performance. This film is supported by the Red Sea Fund.

Other movies

SIMA’S SONG

Director: Roya Sadat

Afghanistan in 1972 is a cauldron of opposing political forces. Suraya, part of an influential political family, becomes head of the dominant Communist Party’s women’s organisation, believing it is the best hope for equal rights. Her friend Sima is sceptical of all politics and, as a talented musician, is dedicated to her traditional art and its romantic themes. Despite their differences, these two young women remain best friends through university, even when Sima marries and starts attending Muslim Youth meetings. When the army starts arresting Muslim activists, Suraya helps her friends escape to the mountains and the protection of the mujahadeen, but war follows them. The film is a marvellous testament to the courage and loyalty of Afghani women in the face of constant adversity.

In-Conversation with Michael Douglas

Director: Michael Kirk Douglas

Celebrating over 50 years of experience in theatre, film and television, Michael Douglas became a renowned actor starring in the hit television series, The Streets of San Francisco, earning him three Emmy nominations for his leading role. Transitioning into independent film production, Douglas secured the rights to the critically acclaimed One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), which won five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Known for his keen ability to select impactful and provocative projects that reflect changing trends and public concerns, Douglas has been involved in influential films such as The China Syndrome (1979) and Traffic (2000), along with box-office hits like Romancing the Stone (1984) and Fatal Attraction (1987).