The title of this hour-long documentary by Judith Fein and Paul Ross has a double meaning: on the one hand, it refers to the skill in assembling mosaics that has marked the North African region since Carthaginian and Roman times, continuing to the present day. On the other, it's a solid characterization of the structure of the film, which presents a series of vignettes that provide a broad sketch of Tunisian culture. Beginning with a brief autobiographical statement by filmmaker Ferid Boughedir, whose Halfaouine (VL Online-5/04) was recently released on DVD, Tunisia takes us through interviews with artists, business people, students, chefs, politicians, educators, and ordinary citizens, drawing a portrait of a society that's both progressive and traditional (of particular interest in the current world climate is the impression of a tolerant Islamic culture in which Jewish and Christian elements are respected and embraced), while also offering glimpses of some of the country's most notable sites. Technically, the documentary is fairly rudimentary, but the locations are intriguing and the subjects well chosen--even though there's a vaguely promotional quality to the project, which seems designed to encourage tourism and investment. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Tunisia: A Mosaic
(2003) 58 min. VHS: individuals: $29.95, institutions: $150. Global Adventure. PPR. Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 4
Tunisia: A Mosaic
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