Film guide 2018
Dear Son
A father’s carefully ordered life falters when his only child becomes increasingly difficult to reach.
- Original title
- Weldi
- Director
- Mohamed Ben Attia
- Year
- 2018
Editorial profile. Availability on LAREINE TV has not been confirmed.
Story, without spoilers
Riadh is nearing retirement from the port of Tunis. He and his wife Nazli focus their attention on Sami, their only son, whose migraines trouble them as school exams approach. When Sami disappears, their familiar routines give way to uncertainty about the child they love.
Context & recognition
Mohamed Ben Attia’s second feature premiered at Directors’ Fortnight in 2018. The director centres the parents’ experience, examining the distance between loving a child, imagining his future and understanding his private life.
Main characters & cast
Riadh
Mohamed Dhrif
A port forklift operator approaching retirement and Sami’s father.
Nazli
Mouna Mejri
Sami’s mother, whose daily life centres on her family.
Sami
Zakaria Ben Ayed
Their only son, preparing for exams and suffering migraines.