Kaouther Ben Hania's Documentary 'Four Daughters' Examines Tunisian Family Torn by ISIS Recruitment
The documentary 'Four Daughters,' directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, narrates the experiences of Tunisian mother Olfa Hamrouni and her daughters Eya and Tayssir, whose sisters Rahma and Ghofrane became involved with ISIS ten years ago. Featuring interviews with family members and reenactments, the film stars Hend Sabry as Olfa, with actresses Nour Karoui and Ichrak Matar portraying the missing sisters. It delves into themes of religious extremism, generational violence, and gender issues in Tunisia. Having received accolades such as the best documentary award at Cannes and a César, it is also nominated for an Oscar. Nonetheless, its approach raises ethical questions regarding the portrayal of trauma, particularly in scenes depicting abuse, while critiquing radicalization and reflecting on the filmmaking process, drawing parallels to 'Waltz with Bashir' and 'Subject.'
Key facts
- Director Kaouther Ben Hania created the documentary 'Four Daughters' about a Tunisian family affected by ISIS recruitment
- The film focuses on mother Olfa Hamrouni and her daughters Eya and Tayssir, whose sisters Rahma and Ghofrane joined the Islamic State approximately ten years ago
- Professional actors Nour Karoui and Ichrak Matar portray the absent daughters in reenactments, while actress Hend Sabry sometimes plays the mother
- The documentary won best documentary at Cannes and received a French César award
- The film is currently nominated for an Oscar
- The work examines themes including religious fanaticism, intergenerational violence, and gender dynamics in Tunisia
- Tunisians formed one of the largest contingents of foreign ISIS recruits, including hundreds of 'ISIS brides'
- The film incorporates actual television footage of Ghofrane reuniting with her infant daughter in Libyan detention
Entities
Artists
- Kaouther Ben Hania
- Olfa Hamrouni
- Eya
- Tayssir
- Rahma
- Ghofrane
- Nour Karoui
- Ichrak Matar
- Hend Sabry
- Majd Mastoura
- Wissem
- Ari Folman
Institutions
- Cannes
- French César
- Oscars
- Islamic State
- ISIS
- Ennadha movement
- TV channels
Locations
- Tunisia
- Libya
- Lebanon