Save the Olive Tree

Marwen Selmi / Tunisia / 2025 / World Premiere / 7 min.

synopsis

Olive trees need sunshine and, above all, water to grow if they are to bear ripe fruit. Traditional farming methods in arid Tunisia are a far cry from the romanticised image of agriculture practised in harmony with nature. They are perhaps more reminiscent of a declining sector sustained solely by the indomitable hard work of the farm labourers.

“It observes the hardship endured by farmers who remain committed to traditional methods of cold-water olive pressing.”

Source: Journées Cinématographiques de Carthage

biography

Marwen Selmi is a Tunisian independent director and cinematographer. In his visually striking and poetic films, he tackles socially significant themes with great sensitivity. His debut short film, The Scar (2020), has won awards in Tunisia, Algeria and India.