“Aya,” directed by Moufida Fedhila, is a short film revolving around a young girl who lives in the heart of Tunis, Tunisia. Aya’s life is shaped by her Salafist father’s strict beliefs; Salafism is a conservative movement within Sunni Islam that advocates for a return to what its followers consider the religion’s purest form. Throughout the film, the presence and influence of Salafist beliefs are a crucial influence on Aya’s upbringing, reflecting the cultural and religious dynamics of her environment. Through her eyes, Fedhila is able to capture the tension between tradition and curiosity as Aya grapples with a desire for knowledge and freedom as a young girl.
The film opens with Aya being accompanied by her father to a Quranic school, where she learns the texts and traditions required by her religion. As he drives her, he reminds her to keep her hair covered so as to maintain her commitment to Allah. In school, she is timid and quiet, sitting in the back of the classroom to draw as little attention to herself as possible. Later on, she plays with her neighbor without her dad knowing, displaying the innocence of her childhood. When flying kites with her friend, she is filled with excitement and laughter, showcasing her carefree spirit and youth; while the act may seem mundane, it symbolizes her desire for freedom and escape. This scene highlights the beauty of friendship and one’s youth and serves as a moment of relief, allowing Aya to embrace her childhood in a world otherwise filled with constraints. Fedhila tugs at the viewers’ heartstrings to emphasize the simple joys in life.
Like her daughter, Aya’s mother grapples with inner conflict. While her husband adheres strictly to tradition, her actions show that she too longs for freedom. Early in the film, Aya’s mother steps outside without her head completely covered and immediately steps back inside, an act that would prove to have consequences later. Because of this, Aya’s father is ridiculed and told she must adhere to their Salafist rules or members of their mosque would no longer give them aid and remove them from their society. This hijab isn’t just a piece of clothing, it represents her struggles between personal beliefs and societal expectations. As she grapples with this, she is forced to face her husband’s authority, furthering her internal conflicts of duty vs. desire and tradition vs. autonomy.
Aya’s father, while restrictive, showcases a strong sense of responsibility towards his family, often balancing his duties with the challenges they face. He works with people in his community to support his family, emphasizing the importance of Quranic education and moral values. Rather than painting her father as the antagonist, Fedhila depicts Aya’s father as a man struggling against societal pressures and economic difficulties. His experiences as the provider and man of the family shape his worldview, leading to tension between his hopes for his family and the realities of their environment. Towards the end of the film, as Aya and her father feed the birds and spend time with one another, the viewer is able to see the complexity of their relationship, filled with moments of tenderness and understanding.
A pivotal moment in the film occurs at the end when Aya is bullied by her classmates for wearing modest clothing and covering while they wear modern styles like t-shirts and pants. During this intense scene, her classmates physically and mentally abuse her. As the situation escalates, Aya’s mother arrives at her school and intervenes. The intervention showcases the strong bond between a mother and daughter, especially as they are both facing similar pressures. As Aya’s mom takes her out of school, she removes her own hijab in an act of solidarity and empowerment. By doing so, she challenges the societal norms she previously conformed to. The closing scene in the film depicts Aya’s mom walking away with her head uncovered, holding Aya in her arms, illustrating their strengthened bond and shared resilience as women who seek freedom in a society that constrains them.
Discussion Questions:
- How is the relationship between Aya and her parents portrayed, and what role does family play in Aya’s life?
- What significance does the hijab have in this film and how is it used?
- Is the father the antagonist of this film? If so, why? If not, who is?
- What do you think were the director’s intentions with the final scene?
- What are the implications of the bullying scene on Aya’s development as a girl? How do you think that will impact her relationship with Allah as she gets older?