The Shadow of the Earth

Overview

Rich in environmental mood and ethnic color, this human drama chronicles the lives and rituals of a nomadic Berber tribe in the southern Tunisian desert, especially focusing on a son about to inherit the full mantle of leadership. When he sees that their sheep are threatened with a possibly devastating illness, the precarious nature of the group's existence is brought home to him and he leaves to gain a livelihood and knowledge in the city. Once he gets back, bringing money and presents, it first appears that the group will be assured of a better future because of his enterprising outreach. Yet military and governmental officials arrive on the scene to take a census and the young man is conscripted, against his will.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

January 2, 1982

Original language

Arabic

Spoken languages

Arabic, French

Cast

Rached Khémis,Mouna Noureddine,Hélène Catzaras,Despina Tomazani

Director

Taïeb Louhichi

Cinematography

Ramón F. Suárez

Budget

Not recorded

Revenue

Not recorded

IMDb

tt0250628