A special screening of his landmark film Thalathoun brought together an emotional audience and industry professionals to celebrate the legacy of an artist who profoundly shaped Tunisian cultural history. This poignant moment served to honor Jaziri’s immense contributions to Tunisian cinema and national culture, reminding everyone of the indelible mark he left through his committed and innovative work.
Thalathoun: A Historical Fresco in Black and White
Released in 2008 and screened at the Carthage Film Festival in 2010, Thalathoun is a major work by Fadhel Jaziri, co-written with Aroussia Nalouti. This black-and-white film, blending archival footage with fictional scenes, delves into the 1930s, a pivotal period in Tunisian history.
Featuring Rami Afana as Mohamed Ali El Hammi, Ali Jaziri as Tahar Haddad, Maher El Hefidhi as Abou el Kacem Chebbi, and Walid Nahdi as Ali Douagi, the film brings to life the key figures of this turbulent era.
Thalathoun opens with scenes of the early labor movement protests led by Mohamed Ali El Hammi, whose activism led to a decade of exile for challenging colonial rule. Through poetic narration and imagined dialogues, Jaziri envisions the connections between these historical figures while portraying a Tunisian society bound by rigid traditions and resistant to change. The film highlights the struggles of these reformers, who faced censorship, arrests, and persecution, yet whose influence shaped modern Tunisia.
An Era of Struggle and Bold Ideas
The 1930s, as depicted in Thalathoun, were marked by a reformist spirit driven by visionary youth. Tahar Haddad, a staunch advocate for human rights and women’s emancipation, faced fierce opposition in a deeply patriarchal society. Abou el Kacem Chebbi, dubbed “the young prodigy,” was mocked for his bold poetic imagination, sometimes facing violent rejection. Banned books, conspiracies, and exiles marked the paths of these figures, but their legacy endured, laying the foundation for a more progressive society.
Fadhel Jaziri’s Lasting Impact
Through Thalathoun, Fadhel Jaziri does more than document history; he invites profound reflection on the role of art in preserving collective memory and awakening consciousness. His work transcends aesthetics to become an act of cultural resistance. The decision to screen this film at the 2025 Carthage Festival underscores the significance of his message and the enduring nature of his commitment. Jaziri, through his creative genius, transformed past struggles into a source of inspiration for current and future generations.
Fadhel Jaziri was not only a filmmaker but also a theater artist and musician who revitalized Tunisian heritage. From his unforgettable stage performances to his musical shows like El Hadhra and El Mahfel, he embodied the vibrant and resilient soul of Tunisia. His passing leaves a void, but his work continues to shine, reminding us that great spirits never truly die.
