Latest news with #Têtesbrûlées
Broadcast Pro
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Sydney Film Festival adds MAD titles to 2025 line-up
These two additions will spotlight deeply human narratives from the Arab world and its diasporas The Sydney Film Festival, set to run from June 4 to 15, has announced the addition of two titles from MAD Solutions to its 2025 programme: Yunan and Têtes brûlées, both of which bring emotionally resonant storytelling to the international stage. Yunan, the latest work from Syrian filmmaker Ameer Fakher Eldin, is the second installment in his HOME trilogy, which delves into the emotional landscape of estrangement and exile. The film follows an Arab writer who, burdened by disillusionment, leaves his life in Hamburg and retreats to a secluded island on the North Sea, intending to end his life. His unexpected encounter with an elderly woman and her quiet acts of compassion slowly reignite his will to live. Directed, written and edited by Ameer Fakher Eldin, the film is a Canadian-German-Italian co-production, with contributions from Palestine, Qatar, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The cast includes Lebanese actor and filmmaker George Khabbaz, German actress Hanna Schygulla, Palestinian actor Ali Suleiman and Game of Thrones stars Sibel Kekilli and Thomas Wlaschiha, alongside Lebanese theatre veteran Nidal El Ashkar. Ameer Fakher Eldin, a Syrian filmmaker based in Hamburg, was born in Kyiv in 1991 to Syrian parents from the occupied Golan Heights. Joining Yunan in the festival's program is Têtes brûlées, a poignant coming-of-age story from Belgian-Tunisian-Danish director Maja Ajmia Zellama. The film centers on 12-year-old Eya as she grapples with the sudden death of her older brother Younès. Through a heartfelt exploration of grief, Eya finds solace in her imagination, her brother's close-knit circle of friends, and her own inner strength, as she begins to navigate a world without him. Produced by Komoko, with co-productions by Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films, Têtes brûlées is a Belgian film enriched by Tunisian cultural influences. The cast features Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra—known for his role in DIVINES—along with Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama and Monia Taieb.
Broadcast Pro
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘Têtes brûlées' continues festival run after Berlinale debut
MAD World oversees the film's international sales, while MAD Distribution manages its distribution across the MENA region. Following its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it earned two Special Mentions in the Generation 14plus section, Têtes brûlées is set to continue its festival circuit with upcoming screenings at the D'A Barcelona Film Festival. The film's director, Maja Ajmia Zellama, will participate in Q&A sessions after the screenings on March 28 at 5:15 PM and March 29 at 7:35 PM at Aribau 4, offering audiences deeper insight into her creative process and storytelling approach. A Belgian production infused with Tunisian influences, Têtes brûlées is a coming-of-age drama centred on 12-year-old Eya, who struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her older brother Younès. Bound by an unbreakable connection, Eya finds herself navigating a structured and emotional grieving process, leaning on her creativity, resilience, and Younès' close friends to make sense of her loss and move forward. At Berlinale, the film was recognised with two Special Mentions—one from the official Generation 14plus jury and another from the Independent Jury of the AG Kino – Gilde – Cinema Vision 14plus. These accolades further solidified its status as one of the festival's standout films. The Generation 14plus jury praised Têtes brûlées as 'a remarkable debut that provides a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl. With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it captures the complexity of grief and its transformative power. A bold yet delicate film, it highlights the strength found in unity during difficult times.' The film has also garnered critical acclaim, with Aurore Engelen of Cineuropa describing it as 'a film of few words but many gestures—hands reaching out, arms embracing and consoling.' She commended Zellama's sensitive direction, noting her ability to 'capture both the strength and fragility of these moments.' Written and directed by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish filmmaker Maja Ajmia Zellama, Têtes brûlées is produced by Komoko, with co-productions by Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films. Zellama, a graduate of the LUCA School of Arts, is also the co-founder and president of ASBL Bledarte, a Brussels-based organisation dedicated to empowering immigrant youth through art and culture. The film's production team includes producers Marc Goyens and Nabil Ben Yadir, cinematographer Grimm Vandekerckhove, editor Dieter Diependaele, production designer Eve Martin, casting director Marie McCourt, and sound designer David Vranken. Têtes brûlées is represented for international sales by MAD World, while MAD Distribution is overseeing its release across the MENA region. The film features Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama and Monia Taieb.
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Narrating life of Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels: Têtes brûlées scoops Special Mentions at Berlinale - Screens - Arts & Culture
Têtes brûlées (Hotheads) by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish director and screenwriter Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama scooped two Special Mentions at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). The film was honoured by the official Generation 14plus jury and the Independent Jury of the AG Kino-Gilde—Cinema Vision 14plus. The plot of Zellama's debut feature film follows twelve-year-old Eya and her 25-year-old brother Younès. When Younès suddenly dies, Eya's world collapses. She finds solace in her creativity, resilience, and the support of Younès' friends. Through Eya's grieving journey, the viewers uncover the life and customs of the Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels. Eya is aware of her community's solidarity as it rallies around her family and the silence that isolates each individual in their grief. Generation 14plus jury praised the film as "a remarkable debut that offers a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl.' They added: 'With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it brings grief's complexity to the forefront, showing how loss can be painful and transformative. A bold yet gentle work, it reminds us of the power of unity in difficult times." The film enjoyed a full-house screening at the Berlinale and a Q&A session with the cast and crew. The second screening took place on Sunday. Têtes brûlées stars Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama, and Monia Taieb. Berlinale, which ran from 13 to 23 February, revealed the winners of its 75th edition on Saturday, its closing day. Generation Kplus and Generation 14plus are two of the festival's numerous competitive segments, screening state-of-the-art international cinema suitable for young audiences, with programmes featuring coming-of-age narratives. The films in Generation 14plus tackle important themes like identity, family dynamics, social challenges, and personal growth while providing artistic and thought-provoking narratives. The section includes feature films, short films, and documentaries from all over the world. Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Narrating life of Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels: Têtes brûlées scoops Special Mentions at Berlinale
Têtes brûlées (Hotheads) by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish director and screenwriter Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama scooped two Special Mentions at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). The film was honoured by the official Generation 14plus jury and the Independent Jury of the AG Kino-Gilde—Cinema Vision 14plus. The plot of Zellama's debut feature film follows twelve-year-old Eya and her 25-year-old brother Younès. When Younès suddenly dies, Eya's world collapses. She finds solace in her creativity, resilience, and the support of Younès' friends. Through Eya's grieving journey, the viewers uncover the life and customs of the Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels. Eya is aware of her community's solidarity as it rallies around her family and the silence that isolates each individual in their grief. Generation 14plus jury praised the film as "a remarkable debut that offers a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl.' They added: 'With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it brings grief's complexity to the forefront, showing how loss can be painful and transformative. A bold yet gentle work, it reminds us of the power of unity in difficult times." The film enjoyed a full-house screening at the Berlinale and a Q&A session with the cast and crew. The second screening took place on Sunday. Têtes brûlées stars Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama, and Monia Taieb. Berlinale, which ran from 13 to 23 February, revealed the winners of its 75th edition on Saturday, its closing day. Generation Kplus and Generation 14plus are two of the festival's numerous competitive segments, screening state-of-the-art international cinema suitable for young audiences, with programmes featuring coming-of-age narratives. The films in Generation 14plus tackle important themes like identity, family dynamics, social challenges, and personal growth while providing artistic and thought-provoking narratives. The section includes feature films, short films, and documentaries from all over the world. Short link:
Broadcast Pro
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Maja Ajmia Zellama's Têtes brûlées to premiere at Berlinale 2025
MAD World oversees the film's international sales, while MAD Distribution manages its distribution across the MENA region. Maja Ajmia Zellama's debut narrative feature, Têtes brûlées , an exploration of loss and grief, is set for multiple screenings at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival as part of its Generation 14plus Programme. The film will first have a limited market screening on February 15 at 12:25 PM at DFFB – Kino (Sony Center, 9th Floor) before making its world premiere on February 17 at 7:15 PM at HKW 1 – Miriam Makeba Auditorium. The film will continue its run with four additional screenings: on February 18 at 7:15 PM at Cubix 6, followed by a morning screening on February 20 at 10:00 AM at Zoo Palast 2. It will then be shown on February 21 at 9:30 AM at Stage Bluemax Theater before concluding its Berlinale screenings on February 23 at 4:15 PM at Cubix 6. A Belgian production with Tunisian influences, Têtes brûlées is a coming-of-age drama that follows 12-year-old Eya as she copes with the sudden loss of her older brother, Younès, with whom she shared an inseparable bond. Navigating an intense grieving process, she turns to her creativity, resilience and Younès' friends for support, ultimately finding her own path to healing and adulthood. Written and directed by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish filmmaker Maja Ajmia Zellama, Têtes brûlées is produced by Komoko, with Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films as co-producers. Zellama, a LUCA School of Arts graduate, is also the co-founder and president of ASBL Bledarte, a Brussels-based association that empowers immigrant youth through art and culture. The film is produced by Marc Goyens and Nabil Ben Yadir, with cinematography by Grimm Vandekerckhove, editing by Dieter Diependaele and sound design by David Vranken. Eve Martin serves as the production designer, while Marie McCourt handles casting. International sales are managed by MAD World, with MAD Distribution overseeing its MENA-wide release. The cast includes Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra ( Divines ), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama and Monia Taieb.
