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GUARDIAN OF THE WORLDS

by Leïla Chaïbi

synopsis

Hassan recalls the first night that Jellaz became his shelter. After burying his parents and two brothers, he rested his head at the foot of their graves, fell into a deep sleep, and felt his soul fly. Forty years later, Hassan is Jellaz's guardian, stationed at the crossroads of two worlds. During the day, we follow Hassan as he greets the dead and living alike and services the space as needed - he gardens, builds, cleans, and helps with burial ceremonies. Sometimes he visits crowded neighbourhood cafés and blends into life among the living. The injustices and misery that he witnesses outside of Jellaz meddle with the joy and hope that he feels every day in his enchanted workspace, home, and eventually, deathbed. And then there is Sabrine. She knows what it's like to live a rough and precarious life, and she too is looking for an earthly companion. As Hassan prepares for his own life after death, he shares with us his notes on mercy, memory, and love.

international title: Guardian of the Worlds
original title: Gardien des mondes
country: France, Tunisia, Qatar
year: 2022
genre: documentary
directed by: Leïla Chaïbi
film run: 91'
screenplay: Leïla Chaïbi
cinematography by: Leïla Chaïbi
film editing: Christine Bouteiller
music: Nadir Moussaoui
producer: Maud Martin, Ghazi Ghazouani
production: L'Image d'après, G prod (TN)

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