| Red Satin | |
| Director: | Raja Amari |
| Screenplay: | Raja Amari |
| Cinematography: | Diane Baratier |
| Editing: | Pauline Dairou |
| Studio: | Zeitgeist Films |
| Runtime: | 100 minutes |
| Country: | Tunisia France |
| Language: | Arabic |
Red Satin also known as Satin Rouge (French: Satin rouge) is a 2002 Tunisian Arabic-language women oriented drama film written and directed by Raja Amari on her feature film directorial debut.[1] The film stars Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass and Hend El Fahem in the lead roles. It reveals the story of a widow woman who radically transforms from a housewife to a seductive cabaret dancer.[2] The film had its theatrical release on 24 April 2002 and opened to mixed reviews.[3] The film received several awards and nominations at International Film Festivals.[4] [5]
After the death of her husband, the widow Lilia's (Hiam Abbass) life revolves solely around her teenage daughter Salma (Hend El Fahem). Whilst looking for Salma late one night, Lilia's transformation begins when she becomes suspicious of her teenage daughter engaging in a secret relationship with Chokri (Maher Kamoun), a darbouka drummer in Salma's dance class. To find out more, Lilia decides to follow Chokri one day. On her escapade, she follows him into his second workplace, a cabaret club. After overcoming her initial shock, Lilia becomes drawn towards the dancers and drum music. The women are very different from Lilia as they wear colourful clothing, show their midriffs, and dance sensually to the drumbeat. After befriending the lead dancer, Folla (Monia Hichri), Lilia is convinced to start dancing in the cabaret club. While Lilia begins dancing nightly, she simultaneously begins a romantic relationship with Chokri, who is still unaware that Lilia is Salma's mother. When Chokri ends his affair with Lilia, she is heartbroken. She later finds out it is because Salma has asked Chokri to meet her and Chokri, realizing his relationship with Salma is getting serious.[6]
| Year | Festival | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Seattle International Film Festival | New Director's Showcase Award | |
| Montreal World Film Festival | Best African Film Award | ||
| Maine International Film Festival | Audience Award | ||
| Torino Film Festival | Best Feature Film Award | ||
| Torino Film Festival | Special Mention for William Holden Screenplay Award |