CinemaNA: Promised Sky

Discover a moving story of solidarity, resilience, and belonging in modern Tunisia.

A screening of Promised Sky, by French Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehiri.

Marie, an Ivorian pastor and former journalist, has lived in Tunisia for ten years. Her home becomes a refuge for Naney, a young mother seeking a better future, and Jolie, a strong-willed student carrying her family’s hopes.

The arrival of a little orphan girl challenges their sense of solidarity in a tense social climate, revealing both their fragility and strength.

Who's Performing?

A screening of Promised Sky, by French Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehiri. • Cast: Aïssa Maiga, Deborah Christelle Naney, Laetitia Ky, Estelle Kenza Dogbo, Foued Zaazaa, Mohmed Grayaa, Touré Blamassi • Directed, Co-Written, and Co-Produced By: Erige Sehiri • Screenwriters: Anna Ciennick, Malika Cécile Louati • Producers: Didar Domehri and Erige Shiri • Production Companies: Maneki Films, Henia Production • Cinematographer: Frida Marzouk • Editor: Nadia Ben Rachid • Sound: Aymen Laabidi, Alexis Jung, Simon Apostolou] • Music: Valentin Hadjadj • Hair & Makeup: Karine Ourega • French Line Producer: Julien Auer • Tunisian Line Producer: Yasmine Dhoukar • Post-Production Supervisor: Adrien Léongue

About the Artists

Erige Sehiri Erige Sehiri is a French Tunisian director, producer, and former journalist whose work bridges documentary realism and narrative cinema. Sehiri began her filmmaking career by directing the acclaimed documentary Railway Men, which captured the daily struggles of Tunisian railway workers. In 2022, she wrote, directed, and produced her first feature, Under the Fig Trees — an intimate portrait of youth, labor, and fleeting moments of connection set in a rural fig orchard. The film premiered at the 54th Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival and was selected to represent Tunisia at the 95th Academy Awards. It has since screened at major international festivals and released theatrically in over 20 countries. Beyond her work in film, Sehiri is an active advocate for freedom of expression and media literacy. She is the co-founder of the media group INKYFADA and the Tunisian NGO Al KHATT. She is also a founding member of the Rawiyat – Sisters in Film Collective, which supports women filmmakers across the Arab World and diaspora. Promised Sky, her second feature film, premiered as part of the 78th Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard.

Event Policies, Terms, and Conditions

• The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons. • Entry to the NYUAD Campus is through either the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center. • Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety. • As per current Department of Culture and Tourism guidelines a Green Al Hosn is NO LONGER needed to attend public events in Abu Dhabi. • The wearing of face masks is NO LONGER required in most indoor public places, including campus buildings. • For access and wheelchair bookings, please email: nyuad.boxoffice@nyu.edu

How to get there

By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10, Al Mina, and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12 to Laffan St. Exit at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12. Continue on Laffan Street to your destination. GPS navigation is advised. By public transportation: You can take bus 170 (Al Saadiyat New York< University Via Abu Dhabi) to the Saadiyat New York University 3 bus stop and take a short walk from there. By taxi: You can easily reach your destination via taxi or by using a ride-hailing app. Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety.