À voix basse (بيّت الحس): Leyla Bouzid’s New Film Arrives in Tunisian Cinemas After Berlinale 2026
By Tunez Magazine ·
After its world premiere in the Official Competition of the Berlin International Film Festival, À voix basse (بيّت الحس), also known as À voix basse, arrives in Tunisian cinemas starting April 29, 2026. The film marks a significant new step in Leyla Bouzid’s evolving cinematic language, shaped between Tunisia and France and rooted in intimate storytelling.
This third feature follows her acclaimed works À peine j’ouvre les yeux and Une histoire d’amour et de désir. With À voix basse (بيّت الحس), Bouzid deepens her exploration of memory, identity, and women’s inner worlds, this time through the lens of a family home where multiple generations coexist and where silence carries emotional weight.
A story of return and hidden truths
The film follows Lilia, who returns to Tunisia for her uncle’s funeral and reconnects with a family that knows little about her life in Paris. As she begins to question the circumstances surrounding his sudden death, her search gradually uncovers buried tensions and long-held secrets within a house inhabited by three generations of women.
The narrative unfolds in a contained, almost claustrophobic setting, where the house becomes a central presence. It holds memories, silences, and unresolved histories, shaping the emotional rhythm of the film.
A powerful ensemble cast
The film features a strong cast bringing together different artistic backgrounds, including Eya Bouteraa, Hiam Abbass, Marion Barbeau, Feriel Chamari, and Salma Baccar. Their performances create a layered emotional landscape that blends restraint with intensity.
Leyla Bouzid
Born in Tunis, Leyla Bouzid studied literature at Sorbonne University before pursuing directing at La Fémis. Her debut feature established her as a distinctive voice in contemporary cinema. Meanwhile, her second film strengthened her reputation for exploring love, exile and cultural identity.
With À voix basse (بيّت الحس), Bouzid turns her attention to family relationships and the emotional challenges of returning home. Once again, she explores how personal histories connect with wider social realities. However, this time, the story places greater emphasis on family dynamics and unspoken tensions.
The film runs for 1 hour and 53 minutes and moves between Tunisian Arabic and French. This linguistic shift reflects the protagonist’s complex sense of belonging. At the same time, it reinforces the tension between what characters express and what they leave unsaid.
Rather than relying on dramatic spectacle, À voix basse builds its impact through atmosphere and subtle details. Small gestures, pauses and unspoken emotions shape the narrative. As a result, viewers gradually discover the meaning behind the characters’ interactions.
From April 29, 2026, audiences in Tunisia can experience a film that favours sensitivity over intensity. Through its restrained approach, À voix basse offers a reflective cinematic experience that stays with viewers beyond the final scene.
Discover more on the official film page on Hakka Distribution
