A hardware shop in southeast Tunisia is the unlikely arena for some pertinent political and philosophical discussions in Mohamed Zran's heartfelt tribute to conversation, philosophy, and peace. A teacher, an artist, a marriage-fixer, and others debate life, love, and politics in this smiling tribute to the true values of the Middle East.

by Mohamed Zran, Tunisia 2009, 124 mins

A hardware shop in southeast Tunisia is the unlikely arena for some pertinent political and philosophical discussions in Mohamed Zran's heartfelt tribute to conversation, philosophy, and peace. Behind his shop counter, Simon is confidant and ringmaster to the chattier inhabitants of Zarziz, a small city in the south of Tunisia. Among many others, a progressive teacher, a dreaming artist, a taxi-driver, and a jovial marriage-fixer pass between the store's shelves. "There in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Israel, they make war in the name of ideals, chimera, values and follies…. Everywhere, agitation is having the upper hand in a world where everybody is trying to find their own little room," writes director Mohamed Zran. "Here, in Zarziz, a feeling of peace is covering the elements." Uncovering the true world of the Middle East, Being Here showcases the day-to-day reality of most of its peaceful inhabitants, those quick to smile and eager to co-exist.
-Jason Sanders

Tunisia / 2009 / 124 min. / Color / 35 mm / Arabic, French / Arabic, English subtitles / World Premiere / Suitable for all ages

Director: Mohamed Zran
Producer: Mohamed Zran
Screenwriter: mohamed Sran
Cinematographer: Jean Claude Couty
Editor: Monsef Taleb
Cast: Tahar Zran, Simon Haddad, Hadi Boufalga, Begacem Daoui, Fatma Bent Garaa, Bachir Chalby

Print Source: SANGHO FILMS
Tel: +216 71 575 342

2009 | MIEFF, Abu Dhabi | 08/10/2009 > 17/10/2009 | www.meiff.com
* DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION
* WORLD PREMIERE

2009 | Festivale cinématographique de Florence | FLORENCE, Italy | 1er au 7 novembre 2009
* Competition offecielle