In his feature film Borj Rumi, Tunisian director Moncef Dhouib explores a crucial period in Tunisia’s political history, focusing on the intense conflict of the 1970s between the political authorities and Tunisian communists, as well as leftist activists and labor leaders who were subjected to repression and imprisonment for their opposition. The film’s title draws inspiration from the infamous prison where many of these individuals were incarcerated. The screenplay provides a critical perspective on their experiences, portraying them not as a monolithic entity or as superheroes, but as real human beings who grapple with their contradictions and succumb to their desires. This approach differentiates Borj Rumi from traditional “prison” films, offering a nuanced understanding of the inner lives of those who participated in a national struggle. They faced immense pressures that weakened some while strengthening the resolve of others.All of this unfolds within the context of a masterful cinematic work that captures the political climate in Tunisia during a historically tumultuous period, leaving deep imprints on the trajectory of Tunisian society that deserve cinematic exploration, even if after time has passed. The film’s execution highlights collective heroism as a hallmark of the skillful performances by a group of actors, whose harmonious portrayals shape the overall representation of the prison. In the background, the courageous and self-sacrificing figure of the Tunisian woman also prominently stands out.Mothers and courageous partners patiently bear the burden of having loved ones imprisoned. The screenplay, drawing on extensive readings of prison literature and personal memoirs, highlights their roles and connects the experience of incarceration with the popular uprising that followed on “Black Thursday.” Moncef Dhouib’s film truly deserves its rare designation as a faithful tribute to its creative purpose, adhering to the principles of cinematic craftsmanship. It emerges from a creative space dedicated to presenting Arab cinema that balances a critical examination of history with the aesthetics of the seventh art, showcasing remarkable precision and beauty.Kais Kasim