“I see him as a beautiful person that didn’t get the chance to blossom”: Lotfy Nathan and Adam Bessa on Harka at Cannes 2022

Harka is the feature debut of director Lofty Nathan, part of the Un Certain Regard competition at Cannes Film Festival 2022. Set in Tunisia, it follows Ali who suddenly is plunged into precarious circumstances, with his two sisters to provide for, after the death of his father.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of chatting with the film’s star, French-Tunisian actor Adam Bessa, about how he landed the role, his preparation including research and spending time with smugglers and how he hopes viewers can see themselves in his character, not “the other”.

Nathan also shared with us why he wanted to set his story in Tunisia in the shadow of the Arab Spring, why Bessa was perfect for the lead role and how his film can show the humanity behind the headlines around migrants.

Sarah Bradbury

Harka does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Cannes Film Festival 2022 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Cannes Film Festival website here.

Watch a clip from Harka here: