Promis Le Ciel
Opening the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes is French-Tunisian director Erige Sehiri’s sophomore feature Promis le ciel (Promised Sky). The film explores the parallel society of Sub-Saharan African immigrants living in Tunisia, many of whom are denied residency status and the legal authorisations needed to find work. A group of women take turns caring for a young girl, likely orphaned in a shipwrecked tugboat, and fear for her safety if they follow official protocols. But as their own situation becomes increasingly hostile, tensions mount and they begin to turn on one another.
One way the Tunisians in the story are incited against these perceived intruders is through news reports claiming that Africans are eating their cats. The allegation might sound absurd, if not for how disturbingly familiar such rhetoric is – a reminder of how alike humans are, even in their hate speech. Just as citizens of the United States often need to be reminded that “America is not a country” (most recently in La Cocina), one character here responds aptly: “Aren’t you African?”
Despite the dire circumstances, Sehiri doesn’t dwell on the misery. Instead, she focuses on the humour and solidarity shared between the women. When taxi drivers refuse to take them home after a night out because of their attire, they’re forced to walk. Many directors might have lingered on their blisters, turning it into a visual “walk of shame.” In Promised Sky, the attention shifts instead to the fact that they arrive just in time for church – without changing – and members of the congregation gather their scarves to cover Naney’s cleavage and knees.
Because the script largely forgoes exposition in favour of natural dialogue, the viewer is occasionally left questioning the characters’ intentions. Still, the dedicated performances – particularly impressive is newcomer Déborah Naney – keep the audience engaged throughout.
Like the characters it portrays, Promised Sky is a little messy and rough around the edges, but profoundly human and deeply caring.
Selina Sondermann
Promis Le Ciel does not have a release date yet.
Read more reviews from our Cannes Film Festival coverage here.
For further information about the event visit the Cannes Film Festival website here.
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