AFS Essentials Presents Satin Rouge

Tonight, as part of their Children of Abraham/Ibrahim: Films of North Africa and the Middle East series, the Austin Film Society presents Satin Rouge, Tunisian director Raja Amari’s warm, moving tale of personal triumph and reclaimed happiness.

The film follows Lilia, a conservative, widowed mother struggling to come to terms with her husband’s death and frustrated by her increasingly rebellious daughter, Salma. After fainting at a belly-dancing cabaret late one night, Lilia is befriended by an outgoing dancer who convinces her to join the troupe. Through dance, Lilia begins a slow journey of healing and self-discovery.

Alternately dramatic, funny and uplifting, Satin Rouge is as much a spirited musical as it is a drama. Director Raja Amari is herself a trained belly dancer, and (though not autobiographical) the film is based in part on her experiences living next to a Cabaret in Tunisia. Much of the story takes place inside the bustling nightclub, and the ever-present eastern rhythms become one of the film’s central characters. Despite a curious ending, Satin Rouge succeeds as an unabashed celebration of dance and as an empowering tale of personal growth.

AFS Essentials: Satin Rouge
Tuesday, February 27th
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
7pm, $4 / Free for AFS Members
[Tickets]