As I Open My Eyes

In the summer of 2010, 18-year-old Farah Kallel is finishing up her school exams, which marks a significant transition in her life as she prepares for university. This period is filled with anticipation, as she navigates the pressures of education and her emerging passion for music.

During her free time, Farah joins a local band where she meets the lute player, Borhène, with whom she begins a secret romantic relationship. The band’s music, infused with lyrics that critique the government, becomes a vital outlet for her creative expression, even as it ties them into politics.

Farah's mother, Hayet, receives a visit from Moncef, an old acquaintance, who shares concerning news regarding the police’s increasing interest in Farah's band. This encounter raises alarms about the potential dangers that Farah could face due to the band's politically charged songs.

Determined to perform despite her mother’s concerns, Farah locks Hayet in her room before the band’s first gig. The performance turns out to be a triumph, instilling her with confidence and solidifying her dedication to music, despite her mother's hopes for a medical career.

After the performance, Borhène shows up at a rehearsal looking visibly shaken, revealing he was interrogated and brutalized by the police the previous night. This incident heightens the tension within the band, as he accuses their manager, Ali, of being a police informant.

In the aftermath of Borhène's distress, he confronts Ali, leading to a tense discussion about trust and safety within the band. Although Ali attempts to assuage the group's fears by claiming to protect them, Farah dismisses his reassurances, sensing the mounting danger.

Tragedy strikes when Farah mysteriously disappears while heading to a bus station to visit her father. The sudden nature of her vanishing leaves her mother frantically searching for answers amid growing panic about her daughter's safety.

Amid her search, Hayet learns that her daughter has been captured by the police. This revelation prompts Hayet to seek help from Moncef once again, asking if he can provide any information about Farah's situation.

While in police custody, Farah experiences a terrifying ordeal characterized by physical and sexual abuse. This traumatic experience profoundly impacts her psyche, altering her view of the world and her future aspirations in music.

Eventually, Farah is released and returned to her parents’ arms, yet the effects of her trauma linger on. The emotional scars she bears from her experience lead her to reconsider her dreams, particularly those related to her music career.

With the unwavering support of her mother, Farah begins the long and difficult journey to reclaim her voice and passion for music. They share a touching moment as they sing together in the sanctuary of Farah's room, rekindling the spirit that once fueled her dreams.

As Farah slowly recovers from her trauma, she explores the complexities of her identity as both a musician and a survivor. This internal journey marks a turning point in her life, where she learns to balance her dreams with the harsh realities of her experiences.

Empowered by her mother’s support and her newfound resolve, Farah contemplates her role in using music as a form of resistance against authoritarian measures in Tunisia. Her story becomes a source of inspiration as she finds strength in sharing her voice once more.