‘In a Whisper’ Director Leyla Bouzid Is Glad Tunisian Cinema Is Being Recognised Internationally

As part of the Berlinale competition, Tunisian film In a Whisper is a queer family drama that uncovers the buried secrets of different generations, under the political backdrop of Tunisia, where homosexuality is still ruled illegal. Director Leyla recognises this urgency in presenting a story that dives into how otherized people at home can be, even by their own family members. Exploring culture, religion, the French vs Tunisian clash and more while purely telling a story of romance and love. Read our In a Whisper Leyla Bouzid interview.

I spoke with Leyla about her latest film In a Whisper, touching on family secrets, bringing Tunisian cinema to the global stage and collaborating with Palestinian actress Hiam Abbas.

Zak Ahmed: For a film about family secrets. Why is it that it’s often told in whispers and revealed in loud noises?

Leyla Bouzid: Because I would like for love of these women that are down, hidden even, to come out to the audience and become something we find it beautiful. Going from secrets to beautiful feelings.

As this is a Tunisian film and Hiam Abbas is also a Palestinian, one of the recent films The Voice of Hind Rajab is also a Tunisian and Palestinian collaboration. What are your thoughts on it and how do you feel to give voices to marginalised people like Palestinian actors?

Leyla: Tunisian cinema is getting really international. There are a lot of Tunisian directors that are really strong and good ones. So, Kauthar Ben-Neyad is a very strong director, and I’m very happy that Tunisian films are going through the world.

Your greatest joy of bringing Tunisian cinema to Berlin?

Leyla: I think that our presence is really important because it allows our stories to exist and to go all around the world, and this is really good.

In a Whisper premiered on the opening night of Berlinale.

Thanks for reading this In a Whisper Leyla Bouzid interview. For more, stay tuned here at Feature First.