I know nothing of cultural revolution. I’ve only had a taste of the violence and hate-speech that must permeate such events, as the majority of Americans have turned their back on the presidential candidate that spews toned-down versions of such rhetoric. Still, it’s been a strange time, with acquaintances openly asking each other where we are going and what we are doing, with a fear that is barely veiled.
I can only imagine where my life would go if things were to continue down this path, but many are confronted with very real scenarios like this in their lifetime. Do you stick to your principles and face the consequences, or do you take the safer, more pragmatic route?
That is the choice facing the young protagonist of As I Open My Eyes, who must choose between radically different futures with the looming uncertainty of the Arab Spring before her. As a coming-of-age story, there are few scenarios more cinematic than this. As a look at cultural revolutions, there are few more personal.
As I Open My Eyes is a small-scale look at a very large event, but in juxtaposing the world-weary mother against the bright-eyed daughter, it looks to be anything but a simplistic portrayal. Choices like this are never easy, and they often make fine films.
As I Open My Eyes is directed by Leyla Bouzid and stars Baya Medhaffer, Ghalia Benali, and Montassar Ayari. It will open in the U.S. on September 9th, 2016. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think As I Open My Eyes will succeed at portraying such a turbulent time? Let us know in the comments!
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