These stories explore the complicated nature of gender and sexuality in relationships, and the pressure put on young queer people across the Arab world to fit into a role that is not always honest to themselves.
In a society of expectations, Ahmed and Salma, two young homosexuals, marry for convenience, seeking freedom and pursuing their passions. With secret lovers representing their true identities, they navigate emotional challenges, questioning sacrifices made to preserve their secret. Conditional Desire explores identity, love, and staying true in a restrictive world.
About the filmmaker:
Born in Tunis in 1994, Houcem obtained a Bachelor's degree in Film and Audiovisual Studies, specializing in writing and directing at ISAMM, as well as a professional Master's degree in Production and Distribution at ESAC. Houcem has participated in several national and international festivals with his graduation project short film titled "IITIDEL". This film addresses the subject of religious freedom. Some of the festivals where his short film has been showcased include Fifog Geneva, Cinémator France, and Fifag Gabès. Since 2016, Houcem has been passionately working as an assistant director
and casting director, bringing his expertise and dedication to every project he is involved in. He has gained diverse experience working in the advertising industry, as well as Tunisian and foreign films and productions. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned production companies in Tunisia, such as Nomadis Images, Artistes
producteurs associés, and Instinct Bleu Films... Throughout his career, Houcem has had the privilege of working alongside acclaimed directors, some of whom have been recognized and awarded, including Mohamed Ben Attia, Lotfi Achour, Anissa Daoud, and Meryam Joobeur... These collaborations have been valuable opportunities for him to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of the art of filmmaking. In addition to his work in the film industry, Houcem has also gained experience in organizing film festivals. He has worked in the communications department of prestigious events such as the Carthage Film Festival, the Manarat Mediterranean Film Festival of Tunisia, and Gabès Cinéma Fen. These experiences have allowed him to develop his communication skills. Houcem is also passionate about black and white photography, capturing images that reflect the essence and beauty of the world around him. Houcem continues to evolve as a filmmaker and is ready to take on new artistic challenges. His first short film titled “CONDITIONAL DESIRE" was produced by Instinct Bleu Films in 2023.
- Year2023
- Runtime15 minutes
- LanguageArabic
- CountryTunisia
- GenreDrama
- Subtitle LanguageEnglish
- Content WarningNudity
- DirectorHoucem Slouli
- ScreenwriterHoucem Slouli
- ProducerHoucem Slouli, Sarra Ben Hassen
- CastImene Ghazouani, Slim Dhib, Aicha Azzouz
- CinematographerFarouk Laaridh
- EditorChedy Fendri
- ComposerOussema Gaidi YnflX
- Sound DesignMeriem Ben Younes
These stories explore the complicated nature of gender and sexuality in relationships, and the pressure put on young queer people across the Arab world to fit into a role that is not always honest to themselves.
In a society of expectations, Ahmed and Salma, two young homosexuals, marry for convenience, seeking freedom and pursuing their passions. With secret lovers representing their true identities, they navigate emotional challenges, questioning sacrifices made to preserve their secret. Conditional Desire explores identity, love, and staying true in a restrictive world.
About the filmmaker:
Born in Tunis in 1994, Houcem obtained a Bachelor's degree in Film and Audiovisual Studies, specializing in writing and directing at ISAMM, as well as a professional Master's degree in Production and Distribution at ESAC. Houcem has participated in several national and international festivals with his graduation project short film titled "IITIDEL". This film addresses the subject of religious freedom. Some of the festivals where his short film has been showcased include Fifog Geneva, Cinémator France, and Fifag Gabès. Since 2016, Houcem has been passionately working as an assistant director
and casting director, bringing his expertise and dedication to every project he is involved in. He has gained diverse experience working in the advertising industry, as well as Tunisian and foreign films and productions. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned production companies in Tunisia, such as Nomadis Images, Artistes
producteurs associés, and Instinct Bleu Films... Throughout his career, Houcem has had the privilege of working alongside acclaimed directors, some of whom have been recognized and awarded, including Mohamed Ben Attia, Lotfi Achour, Anissa Daoud, and Meryam Joobeur... These collaborations have been valuable opportunities for him to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of the art of filmmaking. In addition to his work in the film industry, Houcem has also gained experience in organizing film festivals. He has worked in the communications department of prestigious events such as the Carthage Film Festival, the Manarat Mediterranean Film Festival of Tunisia, and Gabès Cinéma Fen. These experiences have allowed him to develop his communication skills. Houcem is also passionate about black and white photography, capturing images that reflect the essence and beauty of the world around him. Houcem continues to evolve as a filmmaker and is ready to take on new artistic challenges. His first short film titled “CONDITIONAL DESIRE" was produced by Instinct Bleu Films in 2023.
- Year2023
- Runtime15 minutes
- LanguageArabic
- CountryTunisia
- GenreDrama
- Subtitle LanguageEnglish
- Content WarningNudity
- DirectorHoucem Slouli
- ScreenwriterHoucem Slouli
- ProducerHoucem Slouli, Sarra Ben Hassen
- CastImene Ghazouani, Slim Dhib, Aicha Azzouz
- CinematographerFarouk Laaridh
- EditorChedy Fendri
- ComposerOussema Gaidi YnflX
- Sound DesignMeriem Ben Younes