Film Lens
Railway Men, directed by Erige Sehiri, focuses on the lives of Tunisian railway workers on Line #1, known as La voie normale. This railway is significant as it is the only one in Tunisia built to international standards, yet it is also the most neglected. The film presents an intimate view of the daily lives of workers like Ahmed, Afef, Issam, Abee, and Najib, who balance their loyalty to the National Railway Company with their personal aspirations in a changing society.
The documentary captures the tension between tradition and modernity as a new generation of workers redefines their vision of work in post-revolutionary Tunisia. Fitati, a colleague of Ahmed, takes a bold step as a whistleblower, exposing train accidents and adding complexity to the narrative. The film reflects on transformation and societal change, set against the backdrop of Tunisia's breathtaking northern landscapes and the struggles of maintaining an aging locomotive.
Why Watch
- •Meet the railway workers redefining their roles in Tunisia.
- •Follow Fitati as he exposes critical safety issues.
- •See the stunning landscapes of northern Tunisia.
Did You Know
•Line #1 is the only railway in Tunisia built to international norms.
•The film features five main railway workers: Ahmed, Afef, Issam, Abee, and Najib.
•Fitati, a colleague, becomes a whistleblower, exposing train accidents.
Perfect For
Tunisian cultureRailway historyDocumentary enthusiasts