Al Hayat

Zain, a young Arabic crossdresser, returns to his tribe after a long absence. His sister, encourages him to be himself and to admit to the tribe who he truly is. The Tree of Life, which has remained in the middle of the desert for over 400 years, is shown going through the seasons, symbolising Zain's metamorphosis. Zain's reveal with a belly dance is very well accepted by his people.

  • Sonia Benarab
    Director
    Las Claves, Le Nirvana, I was
  • Sonia Benarab
    Writer
  • Yosri Bouassida
    Producer
  • Brahim Dridi
    Key Cast
    "Zain"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 18, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Tunisia
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Sonia Benarab

Sonia Benarab was born in Tunisia and moved to the French part of Switzerland when she was 8. She studied business and marketing but was always interested in telling stories. She visited her sister in London for a couple of months in 2013 and fell in love with the film industry, discovered through a new friend she met, a TV presenter. Since then, she settled down in London and has been creating contents.

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Director Statement

Film is an art form that is limitless. I see art as a way to connect with my higher self, which is also limitless. Telling meaningful stories is my purpose in this life.