As I Open My Eyes 2016

In the summer of 2010, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Tunisia, 18-year-old Farah Kallel is at a pivotal moment in her life, finishing up her school exams and gearing up for university. In her free time, she has joined a band and is secretly involved with the lute player, Borhène. However, unbeknownst to her, the band’s poignant lyrics critiquing the government have caught the attention of the authorities, leading to increased scrutiny.

Throughout this time, Farah’s mother, Hayet, receives an unsettling visit from an old acquaintance named Moncef. He brings alarming news about the police’s interest in Farah’s band and advises her to keep a close eye on her daughter. Despite this warning, on the night of their inaugural performance, Farah makes the bold decision to lock her mother in her room to ensure she can sing at the gig. The show is a resounding success, boosting her confidence and pushing her to embrace her passion for music, even as Hayet hopes for her daughter to pursue a medical career in university.

As Farah continues to perform, the gripping reality of their situation becomes evident when Borhène arrives at a rehearsal, visibly shaken after enduring a night of police interrogation and brutality. He confronts Ali, the band’s manager, accusing him of being a cop who is spying on them. In a tense encounter, Ali attempts to reassure Farah of his protective intentions, but she remains dismissive of his warnings.

Everything takes a tragic turn when Farah mysteriously disappears while heading to visit her father at a bus station. In her frantic search, Hayet soon discovers that her daughter has been captured by the police. Turning to Borhène, who advocates for raising awareness to pressure the authorities into releasing her, Hayet opts for a different approach by contacting Moncef for information on Farah’s whereabouts.

Farah’s experience in custody is harrowing; she endures beatings and sexual assault while imprisoned. Eventually, she is released back into her parents’ arms, yet the trauma leaves her deeply affected, leading her to abandon her musical aspirations. It is through her mother’s unwavering support that she begins to reclaim her lost voice; the two share a poignant moment singing together in the sanctuary of her room, reigniting the spirit that once fueled her dreams.