This spring, KANAL-Centre Pompidou welcomes the first Brussels edition of the Dream City festival. Founded by dancers Selma and Sofiane Ouissi in 2007, this independent event takes place every two years in the Medina of Tunis. An artistic hub between the Arab world, Africa, and Europe, Dream City addresses current issues such as migration, emancipation, human rights, and the climate.
SCREENING INSTALLATION _ K1 (TEMPORARY VENUE)
BLANC HABIBA. MALEK GNAOUI
Blanc Habiba takes place during the World War II when the Tunisian city of Gabès became the stage of a battle against the German occupation. It shows the interrelation there is between the past and the present.
Through the stories of the old and wise Habiba, the film reveals a little-known part of the history of the occupied city of Gabes during World War II. She tells the story of the solidarity with her Jewish Tunisian neighbours, of people with different religious and cultural backgrounds who build bridges over the abyss of war.
As her story unfolds, viewers are reminded of the timeless values of compassion and solidarity that continue to resonate across generations.
The film is a tribute to resilience, friendship, and love in challenging times, with Malek Gnaoui’s 90-year-old grandmother in the main role giving us a piece of history from her perspective. The film not only pays homage to the resilience of individuals like Habiba but also provides a deeply personal perspective on history.
"Blanc" as white in French carries a profound significance in representing Habiba's pure-heartedness and innocence amidst the chaos of war.