Where the Wind Comes From

Alyssa is a student in Tunis, has as many family responsibilities and also dreams of escaping to Europe. Mehdi Is her slightly older neighbour and is a talented painter. He is looking for a job as art is not paying the bills.

Alyssa enrolls Mehdi in an art competition in Djerba, without consultation and without his knowledge. The prize is a trip to Germany. Although Europe is more her dream than his, Mehdi goes along with her demanding enthusiasm. What starts is a combo of road movie and a gripping coming-of-age story.

He is the dreamer with artistic talents, she is the hustler with a defiant drive to succeed.

Will their ambitious plan succeed? No matter. Where the Wind Comes From is a beautiful portrait of modern Tunisia.

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

Filmmaker Amel Guellaty takes a rather simple and predictable story, yet, is still filled with a good heart and passion with two strong performances from the main leads, good camerawork and a good sense of realism that expresses the themes about hope, friendship, and a journey beyond themselves.

Guellaty understands the bases of how teenagers navigate their challenges and with the characters roaming around, it begins an interesting study and observation about their journey to which I really enjoyed seeing. Alongside with some solid emotional writing, fun humor, and a likable group of different characters throughout. The camerawork that shows Tunisia is very beautiful with some absolutely colorful backgrounds that are breathtaking, and added with some interesting soundtrack choices from Tunisian musicians.

Writing wise, there are some good themes explored but as I said, it does end up feeling predictable as it didn't really wow me. Especially with a third act that feels a bit rushed and unfulfilled. But overall, it's a good heartfelt tale.