Buried Secrets

Aicha, Radia and their mother have found a hiding place on an abandoned property were they have set up camp in the servant’s house. They have several reasons to hide and have lived in isolation for some time. Then one day a young couple moves into the main building. The three women decide that they will not reveal themselves to their new neighbours and hope that they will go away as soon as possible. Quite soon, however, Aicha, the youngest, becomes increasingly curious about them and the possiblility of a meeting lurks behind the next door.

Buried Secrets is a different film about living in hiding and observing the outside world. It was recently screened at the Biennale in Venice, Italy. Hafsia Herzi, who was presented as a Shooting Star during this year’s Berlinale, gives the film both believability and liveliness in her role as Aicha, the charming younger girl. The film’s beautiful and lingering images and pace contribute to strengthen an atmosphere of confinement and isolation. Raja Amari charmed many with her film Satin Rouge, which was also screened at Films from the South. With Buried Secrets she further confirms her position as one of North Africa’s most interesting and promising directors. red