Erige Sehiri’s ‘Promis le ciel’ explores female migration in Tunisia

The film ‘Promis le ciel’ (Prometido el cielo), directed by Erige Sehiri, is set to be released in cinemas. The drama, a co-production between Tunisia and France, premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section.

The story follows Marie, an Ivorian evangelical pastor and former journalist living in Tunisia, who leads a community of female migrants. The group finds solidarity and refuge in her home, which also serves as a church. The narrative explores the complexities of intra-African migration, focusing on the experiences of women such as Marie, an engineering student named Jolie, and a young mother, all of whom face challenges to their stability following the arrival of an orphaned girl.

Sehiri’s work has already received recognition at the Festival du Film Francophone d'Angoulême, winning awards for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress.