“It’s a film that is in a way very personal for the director Ala’A who is originally from Iraq, and came to Denmark when he was 11 years old,” Danish producer Rikke Tambo tells Business Doc Europe of her rough cut project Born to Fight, selected for Docs Barcelona Industry. “He always knew he wanted to do a film about a woman defying the patriarchy in the Arab world, as he grew up in a culture where there were different expectations between men and women.”
Born to Fight is described “as a profound documentary that explores the developmental journey of Tunisian kickboxer Nawres from 2017 to 2024 in the context of the Arab Spring.” The film depicts her struggle for a better life in Tunisia where, as a modern young woman, she confronts the country’s cultural constraints, political unrest, and high unemployment rates.
From her early success as a kickboxer to unexpected exclusion from the sport, the film follows Nawres’ attempts to reinvent herself. However, her decision to emigrate to France to escape the bleak situation in Tunisia leads her to a new kind of struggle as a young immigrant at the bottom of society in Paris.
“Ala’A came to me with the project, and I immediately knew that this was a film that I wanted to be a part of,” says Tambo. “It’s a film with a fascinating and strong character breaking with the conventional, and being a role model in many ways.”
‘This film offers a unique perspective on immigration narratives by delving into the often-overlooked stories of individuals who choose to return to their homeland to enact positive change,” she adds.
“While many stories focus solely on the journey to Europe and the challenges faced there, this film shines a spotlight on the resilience and determination of those who opt to confront adversity head-on in their own communities. Its contemporary relevance lies in its exploration of the complexities of migration, disillusionment, and the enduring quest for meaningful change. By presenting a narrative seldom seen in mainstream media, the film should not only captivate an audience but also spark important conversations about identity and belonging.”
Director Mohsen has been closely following the main character Nawres since 2017, ensuring “an intimate and authentic portrayal of her journey.” Tambp points out how this enables him to capture “raw emotions and genuine moments that resonate deeply with audiences.”
“We prioritize authenticity and truthfulness in storytelling, aiming to create a compelling narrative that reflects the reality of Nawres’ experiences,” Tambo underlines, adding that one of Mohsen’s strengths is his personal background that leads him towards themes of migration and a sense of “home,” as evidenced in his previous work A New Beginning (2020).
From a business perspective, Tambp points out how Mohsen’s dedication to building a long-term relationship with Nawres has been instrumental in securing access to her story and navigating potential challenges. ‘This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of the documentary but also strengthens partnerships and opportunities for distribution and outreach. By balancing creative integrity with strategic foresight, we aim to maximize the impact and reach of the documentary, ensuring that Nawres’ story reaches audiences worldwide while also fostering sustainable success for all involved stakeholders.”
As ever, the greatest hurdle is = financing, which Tambo compares to making a “patchwork-blanket.” She believes however that the path to future finance has been eased by the national support she has already received from the Danish Film Institute (development and production funding) and the West Danish Film Fund DAPP Foundation (production funding).
She further explains the appeal of Born to Fight to investors and audience alike.
“Investors should be drawn to the film primarily because they see it as an opportunity to contribute to the narrative of progressive youth in Tunis,” Tambo underlines. “However, this story is not confined to Tunis alone; it resonates with similar experiences of a global generation yearning for a brighter future in Europe or the West, only to confront harsh realities that shatter their dreams of the promised land. The film adeptly navigates these challenges while introducing a captivating character who embarks on a journey to improve life in her homeland.”
“The audience should watch the film to see a powerful narrative of a progressive woman and youth in Tunis,” she stresses of the film’s potential appeal to the wider public. “A story that resonates with the aspirations and struggles of a global generation. Through captivating storytelling and compelling characters, this film offers a poignant reflection on dreams, reality, and the unwavering pursuit of a better future.”
Producer Tambo, who describes one of her strengths as an “urge to help stories of characters breaking the norm,” is confident of delivering the completed film by the end of 2024. Her goals at DocsBarcelona Industry are to pique the interests of broadcasters, sales agents and festivals.
Born to Fight will be presented May 7 at DocsBarcelona Industry.
