Who Do I Belong To by Meryam Joobeur, screened in Competition at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, is a poignant yet powerful exploration of family and its identity, inspired by a chance encounter during a road trip in Tunisia. Joobeur’s journey began with a desire to reconnect with her homeland and evolved into a deep examination of the impact of radicalisation on families in rural Tunisia. The story itself revolves around two brothers, Mehdi, who is portrayed by Malek Mechergui in the film, and Amine, played by Chaker Mechergui, whose encounter with Joobeur led to the two actors starring in her previous short film, Brotherhood, which was also well received by critics. 

In the remote northern region of Tunisia, a haunting tale unfolds. Aicha, portrayed by an emotionally stirring Salha Nasraoui, finds herself trapped in a web of mystery and despair. Her tranquil existence with her husband and youngest son is shattered by the return of her eldest son, Mehdi, accompanied by a veiled, enigmatic woman, heavily pregnant and bearing a burden of secrets. The arrival of Mehdi, once lost to the clutches of war and later accused of affiliations with extremist groups, sets off a chain reaction of unsettling events in the village. Strange occurrences plague the community – unexplained suicides, distress among animals, and an ominous atmosphere that hangs heavy in the air. As Aicha grapples with conflicting emotions of maternal love and the pursuit of truth, she goes on a journey to uncover the fate of her missing middle son, lost in the same tumultuous storm of extremism.

At the heart of the narrative lies a complex interplay of familial bonds and societal morality. Aicha’s quest for answers forces her to confront the stark realities of her sons’ actions and the weight of her own choices as a mother. Meanwhile, the father, Brahim, played by Mohamed Hassine Grayaa, finds himself torn between acceptance and rejection, grappling with the stigma attached to his sons’ alleged involvement with terrorism.

In the middle of the turmoil, we find a compassionate police officer, Bilal (Adam Bessa), who steps into the role of a surrogate son for the grieving family. His presence offers hope amidst the darkness, providing solace to Aicha’s youngest son and navigating the delicate balance between duty and empathy until he finds Mehdi hiding in one of the rooms of the family’s home. 

Directed with finesse and atmospheric intensity, Who Do I Belong To’s exploration of the power of motherhood, morality, and the complexities of familial bonds resounds long after the credits roll. Joobeur’s decision to shift her focus to the female characters in the film reflects her desire to examine the aforementioned themes as well as the victimisation of women. 

The collaboration between professional and non-professional actors gives a strong sense of authenticity to the film, with Malek, Chaker, and Rayen impressing with their growth as actors. Whatever relationships were forged between the cast members off-screen definitely translated into genuine chemistry on-screen, broadening the storytelling experience. 

Aicha’s character takes viewers on an emotional and physical exploration of family dynamics, which are comparable to a micro-society, not only through the mother’s eye but also through Vincent Gonneville’s stunning cinematography. And while one thinks that the film couldn’t get any more heart-rending, Who Do I Belong To’s aesthetic veers from realism towards an enchanting, folkloric atmosphere filled with sorrow. This stylistic leap into dreams and subconsciousness gives the audience a chance to immerse themselves in Aicha’s inner world, which also leaves us with an opportunity to interpret the film in our own way.

Who Do I Belong To is an emotional cinematic experience that talks about complex themes with sensitivity and depth. Joobeur’s directorial vision, combined with powerful performances from the cast, makes it a compelling exploration of identity and belonging.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

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