Normally, a film like this would be a straightforward documentary with archival footage and key interviews with experts in the issue. But instead of taking that approach in Four Daughters, writer-director Kaouther Ben Hania takes a more personal approach, understanding that the topic in question isn’t just about extremism, but that this is a tragedy experienced by the Hamrouni family. As such, the approach doesn’t try to mine the drama to make the film more engaging. Hania just tries to introduce us to the family, with the archival footage interspersed with conversations filmed behind-the-scenes of the documentary, and with the past recreated by both the real family and by actors. It’s because of this that Hania cedes unparalleled control for Olfa Hamrouni to tell her story. With this issue spreading throughout the globe, Four Daughters is a necessary documentary. The personal, compelling approach helps drive that home.
"The real-life subjects, taking the lead in the restagings, deliver a revelatory, poignant blend of drama, memory, and self-scrutiny."
— Richard Brody
"Through the dissection of one family, the Tunisian director crafts an effective snapshot of a post-Arab Spring Tunisia."
— Rafa Sales Ross
Between light and darkness stands Olfa, a Tunisian woman and the mother of four daughters. One day, her two older daughters disappear. To fill in their absence, the filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania invites professional actresses and invents a unique cinema experience that will lift the veil on Olfa and her daughters' life stories. An intimate journey of hope, rebellion, violence, transmission and sisterhood that will question the very foundations of our societies.
After two of her eldest daughters leave and become radicalized by extremists, Olfa Hamrouni is offered a chance by filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania to depict and restage their family history.
The re-enactment. The actors could never replace the women in question, but having them stand in makes it clear how painful remembering this traumatic experience is.
These are really scary times. Don’t forget to hold onto the family you have, if you still have them.
Oscars
5 nominations
NYFCC
2 nominations
