Arab Blues (2020)

In the vibrant heart of Tunis, we find Selma Derwish (Golshifteh Farahani), a spirited woman who, after a decade in Paris, has chosen to return to her roots. Her younger cousin is perplexed at her departure from the City of Lights, her aunt's overbearing nature is palpable, and her uncle's hospitality is dwindling, offering her only a short stay in the apartment above their home. Yet, Selma remains unyieldingly determined in her mission to establish a psychotherapy practice in a city still coming to terms with the concept. In this captivating comedy penned and directed by Manele Labidi, we follow Selma's journey of self-discovery and community building. As Selma navigates her way through this new chapter, she encounters unexpected challenges and cultural nuances. The seemingly simple task of finding prospective patients in a city skeptical of psychotherapy becomes an uphill battle, compounded by the daunting maze of bureaucracy she must conquer to secure the necessary permits for her practice. But the complexities do not end there. In the midst of the chaos, a robust and watchful cop, Naim (Majd Mastoura), becomes an unexpected constant, scrutinizing her every move. The locals' humorous misconceptions about Freud and psychotherapy only add to the colourful tapestry of her experience. The post-revolution demand for her services is overwhelming in this schizophrenic nation, yet she finds herself in a catch-22 situation, as her practice hangs in the balance due to a missing license. "Arab Blues" is a delightful exploration of homecomings, societal taboos, and the struggle of setting up a business in an unfamiliar environment. It's a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the unconventional paths we take in search of our true calling.

Arab Blues is a comedy movie featuring Golshifteh Farahani and directed by Manele Labidi.

Arab Blues is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Arab Blues on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.