“Behind the Mountains (Oura El Jbel)”, Interview with Mohamed Ben Attia

Mohamed Ben Attia, known for his previous films “Hedi” and “Dear Son”, brings a new perspective to cinema with his latest work, “Behind the Mountains”, premiering at the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti section. The film challenges the traditional boundaries of reality and fantasy, making the audience question what’s possible.

The story revolves around Rafik, the protagonist, who abandons his entire life and ends up in jail in pursuit of an impossible dream. Rafik’s journey is marked by a desire to give his son a chance to experience a place where dreams come true. Director Mohamed Ben Attia explains, “I didn’t want him to be like a superhero or fly like Superman. He is floating, struggling with gravity.”

Initially hesitant to incorporate supernatural elements, Ben Attia found inspiration in Rafik’s radical departure from his community. He describes the moment of inspiration, saying, “I kept seeing an image of someone running towards the edge. He jumps, and then starts to fly.” This unique approach challenged traditional filmmaking norms and sparked discussions within the team.

Ben Attia’s film touches on themes of rage and rebellion, mirroring the challenges many people face in today’s world. He explains, “Recently, we have all been going through very difficult times. But many people who read the script found it hard to empathize with him. He really behaves like a crazy person.” Rafik’s actions, driven by his inner turmoil, include destroying his office, kidnapping his child, and terrorizing another family while on the run.

To bring depth and ambiguity to Rafik’s character, Ben Attia relied on the talent of actor Majd Mastoura, with whom he had previously collaborated on “Hedi.” He emphasizes the importance of embracing complexity and avoiding a strict adherence to political correctness in storytelling.

“Behind the Mountains” explores the Northwest mountains of Tunisia as Rafik embarks on a journey with his son, accompanied by a shepherd. The film takes a mysterious turn as it blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Ben Attia deliberately leaves some aspects unexplained, acknowledging that it might challenge some viewers. He draws inspiration from films like “Take Shelter”, where the border between the known and the unknown is fragile, inviting audiences to explore the extraordinary.

The film also introduces a woman who, like Rafik, seeks to escape her restrictive environment. Ben Attia notes the parallel between them, saying, “They are not comfortable in a place society has chosen for them.” However, when faced with the unknown, she clings to the familiar, protecting the illusion of her life.

As for his future projects, Ben Attia hints at a departure from conventional reality. He aims to make things “strange” again and explore the boundaries of imagination. He believes that embracing the bizarre and unknown can lead to new perspectives and limitless possibilities.

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