Carros:The debut film by Tunisian filmmaker Khedija Lemkecher, "Belles de nuit" (Nawar Achiaa), has claimed the Grand Prix at the 20th CinéAlma Mediterranean Film Festival, which wrapped up on Sunday evening in Carros, located in southeastern France. The festival concluded a ten-day event featuring screenings and industry networking from October 9 to 18, 2026.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the award ceremony took place at the Juliette-Gréco hall in Carros, highlighting the achievements of various films from the Mediterranean region. "Belles de nuit," a 110-minute film written and directed by Lemkecher, explores the lives of two generations in the Tunisian neighborhood of "Hay Hlel." The narrative centers on Yahia, portrayed by Ilyes Kadri, a young man facing economic hardship and family violence, who becomes a national boxing champion but remains fixated on escaping to Italy.

The film's journey is set against a backdrop of fantasy, including a poignant scene involving a mermaid during a shipwreck, leaving Yahia's destiny uncertain. The title "Nawar Achiaa," meaning night-blooming flower, alludes to the fleeting hopes of youth amid societal constraints. The cast includes Bahri Rahali, Younes Megri, and Fatma Ben Saïdane among others.

"Belles de nuit" had its world premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival in November 2024 and won accolades at the Agadir Festival in December 2025, including Best Director and Best Actor. It premiered in Tunisian cinemas on January 7, 2026.

The CinéAlma festival also recognized other films, awarding the Special Jury Prize to the Egyptian film "My Father's Scent," the Discovery Prize to the Turkish film "Post Truth," and the Special Mentions to actors Gresa Pallaska and Younes Bouab. The Audience Award was given to the Italian film "Il mio posto è qui."

CinéAlma, established two decades ago, is dedicated to showcasing films that reflect the social and cultural realities of the Mediterranean region.