Where the Wind Comes From

Picture of

Alyssa, a rebellious 19-year-old girl, and her friend Mehdi, an introverted 23-year-old man, use their imagination to escape their unpromising reality. When they discover a contest in the south of Tunisia that may allow them to flee, they undertake a road trip regardless of the obstacles in their way.

Director Amel Guellaty offers us a window into a side of Tunisia we have rarely seen, imbuing the world of her charming debut feature with surreal visual flourishes that transform and brighten everyday moments. Eya Bellagha and Slim Baccar have undeniable chemistry as Alyssa and Mehdi, organically capturing the crossfire banter of their friendship as well as their shared struggle to break free from the responsibilities and restrictions that hold them back from pursuing their dreams. Their unexpectedly chaotic journey to Djerba is underscored by a thoughtful comedic touch and a hypnotic indie soundtrack from the region.

With creativity, warmth, and spirit, Where the Wind Comes From honors Tunisian youth while recognizing the uncertain road that lies ahead of them.

Festivals & awards

Sundance Film Festival 2025
San Francisco International Film Festival

artwork

Credits

Original Title
Where the Wind Comes From
Title
Where the Wind Comes From
Directed by
Amel Guellaty
Country
Tunisia
Year
2025
Screenplay
Amel Guellaty
Film Editing
Amel Guellaty , Ghalya Lacroix, Malek Kammoun
Soundtrack
Omar Aloulou
Cinematography
Frida Marzouk
Sound
Aymen Labidi
Production
Asma Chiboub, Karim Aitouna
Formats
DCP, Blu-Ray
Runtime
99 min.
Language
Arabic/d/f
Cast
Eya Bellagha (Alyssa), Slim Baccar (Mehdi), Sondos Belhassen, Lobna Noomene

In cinemas

Zürich

Aug. 13, 2025
9 p.m.
Xenix

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Press voices

«Guellaty’s script finds the internal wisdom that the road can help unlock in ourselves.» RogerEbert

«A buoyant, glowing portrait of youthful dreamy, defiant plunges.» High on Films

«Le portrait d'une génération qui veut se réinventer.» Cineuropa

«A character study, a portrait of modern Tunisia and an ode to the country’s youth post-Arab Spring, all at once.» Variety

«A powerful emotional drama.» Loud And Clear

«Je voulais montrer que les jeunes se battent, mais sans dramatiser. Je voulais faire une comédie où l’on puisse voir leur créativité, leur énergie.» Amel Guellaty