Tunisia has selected Kaouther Ben Hania’s documentary “Four Daughters” as its entry for the 2024 Oscars in the Best International Feature category. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, tells the story of a mother, Olfa Hamrouni, and her four daughters. Two of the daughters disappeared as teenagers, with evidence suggesting they joined Islamic State in Libya. To explore the family’s trauma, Ben Hania cast professional actresses to play the missing daughters, creating a docu-fiction hybrid. “Four Daughters” won the Golden Eye prize for Best Documentary at Cannes, along with Asmae El Moudir’s film “The Mother of All Lies.”
In addition to being submitted for the Best International Feature category, “Four Daughters” will also be considered in the Best Documentary category at the Oscars. This is not the first time Ben Hania’s work has been recognized by the Academy. Her previous film, the drama “The Man Who Sold His Skin,” was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Oscar in 2021. This marked a significant achievement for Tunisia, as it was the first time the country made it to the Oscars shortlist.
The distribution rights for “Four Daughters” are being handled by The Party Film Sales, which is selling the film worldwide. This will ensure that the film reaches a global audience and potentially attracts attention from Oscar voters.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the films on the 2024 Oscar shortlist on December 21. From this shortlist, the final five nominees will be announced on January 23. The 95th Oscars ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 10.
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By selecting “Four Daughters” as its official entry, Tunisia aims to showcase the talent and storytelling capabilities of its filmmakers on the global stage. The film not only explores the personal tragedy of a family torn apart by extremism but also delves into larger themes of identity, resilience, and the impact of political turmoil on ordinary lives. Through the docu-fiction style, Ben Hania blurs the lines between reality and fiction, giving the audience a unique and immersive viewing experience.
“Four Daughters” sheds light on the ongoing issue of young individuals being radicalized and joining extremist groups. By focusing on the experiences of a Tunisian family, the film highlights the complex factors that contribute to such decisions, including social, economic, and political circumstances. It prompts discussions on the root causes of extremism and the potential ways to prevent further recruitment.
The film’s success at Cannes, as well as its selection as Tunisia’s Oscar entry, reflects the growing recognition and appreciation for Arab cinema globally. It showcases the diverse narratives and storytelling techniques of Arab filmmakers, challenging stereotypes and broadening the understanding of Arab culture and society.
In recent years, the Academy has made efforts to diversify its nominations and recognize films from a wide range of countries and cultures. By submitting “Four Daughters,” Tunisia hopes to contribute to this global dialogue and demonstrate the creative talents of its film industry. The film’s inclusion in the Oscar race will not only bring international attention to Tunisian cinema but also inspire other emerging filmmakers in the region.
As the Oscar journey for “Four Daughters” progresses, the film will continue to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and compelling performances. Its selection as Tunisia’s official entry marks a significant achievement for the country’s film industry and represents a milestone in the recognition of Arab cinema on the global stage.
