Set in northern Tunis, the mystery thriller Ashkal: The Tunisian Investigation, an official selection of Cannes Director’s Fortnight, Toronto International Film Festival, Beyond Fest, stars Fatma Oussaifi as a detective investigating a series of deaths, all of them unexplained self-immolations.

Also starring in the film are Mohamed Houcine, Grayaa Aymen and Ben Hmida.

Directed by Youssef Chebbi, it opens in theaters (see listing below) starting on August 18.

Set amongst derelict, half-finished apartment complexes of a former regime, the discovery of a mysterious burnt body by two police officers reveals a puzzling repetition of events. As the investigation progresses, a network of violence and corruption is uncovered throughout the city.

Watch the official trailer for Ashkal: the Tunisian Investigation.

Theatres

August 18th: NYC (Roxy Cinemas)
August 18th: LA (American Cinematheque Los Feliz, Lumiere Music Hall)
September 1st: Boulder (Dairy Center)
September 8th: Chicago (Music Box)