Directed by Nacer Khemir, Bab'Aziz is the final instalment in his "Desert Trilogy" and serves as a cinematic meditation on Sufi philosophy. The film follows a blind dervish, Bab'Aziz, and his spirited granddaughter, Ishtar, as they traverse the desert in search of a grand gathering of dervishes that occurs once every thirty years. Their journey is interwoven with tales from fellow travellers, each story reflecting themes of love, loss, and spiritual longing.
Khemir's narrative structure mirrors the non-linear and introspective nature of Sufi thought, inviting viewers to contemplate the essence of existence beyond the material world. The film's visual poetry, accentuated by Mahmoud Kalari's cinematography, transforms the desert landscape into a realm of mystical beauty. Through its layered storytelling and evocative imagery, Bab'Aziz offers a tranquil space for reflection on the journey of the soul.
