‘Têtes brûlées' continues festival run after Berlinale debut
Following its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it earned two Special Mentions in the Generation 14plus section, Têtes brûlées is set to continue its festival circuit with upcoming screenings at the D'A Barcelona Film Festival.
The film's director, Maja Ajmia Zellama, will participate in Q&A sessions after the screenings on March 28 at 5:15 PM and March 29 at 7:35 PM at Aribau 4, offering audiences deeper insight into her creative process and storytelling approach.
A Belgian production infused with Tunisian influences, Têtes brûlées is a coming-of-age drama centred on 12-year-old Eya, who struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her older brother Younès. Bound by an unbreakable connection, Eya finds herself navigating a structured and emotional grieving process, leaning on her creativity, resilience, and Younès' close friends to make sense of her loss and move forward.
At Berlinale, the film was recognised with two Special Mentions—one from the official Generation 14plus jury and another from the Independent Jury of the AG Kino – Gilde – Cinema Vision 14plus. These accolades further solidified its status as one of the festival's standout films.
The Generation 14plus jury praised Têtes brûlées as 'a remarkable debut that provides a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl. With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it captures the complexity of grief and its transformative power. A bold yet delicate film, it highlights the strength found in unity during difficult times.'
The film has also garnered critical acclaim, with Aurore Engelen of Cineuropa describing it as 'a film of few words but many gestures—hands reaching out, arms embracing and consoling.' She commended Zellama's sensitive direction, noting her ability to 'capture both the strength and fragility of these moments.'
Written and directed by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish filmmaker Maja Ajmia Zellama, Têtes brûlées is produced by Komoko, with co-productions by Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films. Zellama, a graduate of the LUCA School of Arts, is also the co-founder and president of ASBL Bledarte, a Brussels-based organisation dedicated to empowering immigrant youth through art and culture.
The film's production team includes producers Marc Goyens and Nabil Ben Yadir, cinematographer Grimm Vandekerckhove, editor Dieter Diependaele, production designer Eve Martin, casting director Marie McCourt, and sound designer David Vranken. Têtes brûlées is represented for international sales by MAD World, while MAD Distribution is overseeing its release across the MENA region.
The film features Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama and Monia Taieb.
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