Hafsia Herzi's Cannes return

One year after her own film La Petite Dernière, Hafsia Herzi returned to Cannes in May 2023, this time with two films. She appeared in Histoires de la nuit by Léa Mysius, which was in competition, and starred in Quelques mots d’amour by Rudi Rosenberg, which was shown in the Un Certain Regard section.

Her role in 'Quelques mots d’amour'

In Quelques mots d’amour, Hafsia Herzi plays Erika, a mother raising her two children alone in Sarcelles during the 1990s. The film highlights her ability to portray complex, emotionally rich characters on screen.

Her breakthrough in acting

Hafsia Herzi first gained recognition as an actress with La Graine et le Mulet (2007), directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. The film earned her several awards, including the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival and the César for Best New Actress.

Her role in 'L’Aube du monde'

In 2008, Hafsia Herzi starred in L’Aube du monde, a dramatic film by Abbas Fahdel. In the film, a young Iraqi soldier asks a member of his unit to find his wife, played by Herzi, and marry her. The film received critical acclaim at international festivals.

Critical reception of 'L’Aube du monde'

L’Aube du monde has over 100 ratings and 30 reviews on AlloCiné, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. It is considered one of the best films in Hafsia Herzi’s career, with praise for its visuals, music, and performances.

Praise for the film's setting and direction

One viewer praised the film for its unusual yet magnificent setting, the Iraqi marshes, and described it as a cinematic "UFO." The film is noted for its masterful direction and its portrayal of civilians during wartime without moralizing or voyeurism.

Recognition of the film's artistic merit

Another viewer called L’Aube du monde a sign of a "real filmmaker" being born and questioned why it was not more widely distributed. The viewer praised the photography, acting, and the film’s emotional depth.

Emotional impact and visual beauty

A third viewer described the film as a moving portrayal of how war transforms a peaceful region into hell. They praised the stunning visuals, enchanting music, and Hafsia Herzi’s "sublime" performance, calling it a film to see for its beauty and humanity.

Appreciation for the film's subtlety

A final viewer called L’Aube du monde a film of great subtlety, noting its fine texture and original dignity toward its subject matter. They contrasted it with the "formatted products" that dominate modern cinema, calling it a rare and meaningful work.