Beys of Tunis, a monarchy in the colonial storm

  • Beys de Tunis, une monarchie dans la tourmente coloniale [...]
Genre : Historical
Type : Documentary
Original title :
Principal country concerned : Column : Cinema/tv, History/society
Year of production : 2007
Format : Mid-length
Running time : 52 (in minutes)
http://www.alifproductions.com/index.php?page=film&film=lesbeys

Starting with Hussein the first, the Founder to Lamine Bey "the democratic monarch," through to Ahmed Pacha who abolished slavery in 1846 (two years before France and nineteen years before the USA) and most of all with Moncef Bey, the nationalist sovereign who died in deportation, this documentary rewrites some of the prestigious chapters of the "BEYS OF TUNIS" dynasty, who ruled Tunisia for two and a half centuries.

The film also recounts the dark hours of this feudal monarchy, strewn with violent plots, injustice and corruption. The darkest of all came in 1881 with the arrival of the French occupation forces in Tunisia. Caught in "THE COLONIAL STORM," the Beys then lost all credit in the eyes of their subjects and their honour and loyalty were marred by this "treason" for the longest time.

It was not until Moncef Bey acceded to the throne in 1942 that the monarchy regained a little esteem amongst the Tunisian population. Faced with the double French and German occupation, Moncef Bey defended with patriotism and determination his people's interests, a people whose emancipation he called for until his last breath.

Prince Fayçal Bey, the great grandson of the last Bey of Tunis, is the common thread running through this film. Author of the "last Odalisque," a fictionalised history of his family, his testimony, added to those of historians and politicians who lived under this monarchy, allows us to relive the last days of the "BEYS OF TUNIS," whose history ended fifty years ago with the creation of the Republic, which brought Habib Bourguiba to power.

Written and directed by: Mahmoud BEN MAHMOUD
Length: 52'
Format: Digital Béta 4/3
Production year: 2007
Coproduction: ALIF Productions - Familia Productions, TV5
Distribution: ALIF Productions

Available in French and International versions

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