Cinema has long been an effective medium for language learning, offering rich insights into the culture of a country or region. That’s why our school hosts an annual Cineforum, a series of film screenings designed for all those who love Mediterranean languages and cultures.

This year, our Cineforum focuses on the theme of migration—a timely and relevant topic deeply intertwined with language barriers and the challenges of navigating diverse cultures. Each month, we will feature a film that explores a unique migration story, presented in a different language.

This year, all proceeds from Cineforum ticket sales will be donated to Mediterranea Saving Humans, an organization committed to helping migrants stranded in Southern Europe. Taalhuis Amsterdam supports Mediterranea and its projects.

The film evening begins with a brief introduction in English, where our teachers provide insights into the film and its director. After the screening, you’ll have time to discuss the film’s themes and practice speaking the language you’re learning—sometimes with group activities or assignments led by the teacher.

This month, we’ll watch Couscous (2007) by Abdellatif Kechiche.

Time and Place: Saturday, 8 February 2025, Gerard Doustraat 220
Duration: 2h 31m
Languages: Arabic, French
Subtitles: English

Program
19:00 – Introduction
19:15 – Film
21:45 – Aftertalk

*The ticket price includes one free drink. The movie has English subtitles and the introduction and after-talk sessions will be in English.

What to expect
Before the screening, our teachers will provide an introduction to the film (in English), offering insights into its context, noteworthy elements, and characteristics of the work and the director. During the introduction you will be provided with some elements that will allow you to fully enjoy the film, not only from the point of view of its artistic beauty but also from the point of view of its cultural content.

After watching the film, there will be time to discuss and chat more about what we have seen and share discoveries and points of view. If possible, we will use the language you are learning with fellow students, teachers, and native speakers.

About the movie
France, 2000s. We follow the adventures of Slimane, a man originally from Tunisia but who immigrated to the port city of Sète. At the threshold of sixty, Slimane feels chased by a sense of failure: he is divorced, his job as a dockworker is coming to an end because of his age, and the hopes he had pinned on emigration are collapsing one by one. But he can still dream, and his dreams begin with food: the delicious couscous that his ex-wife used to prepare every Sunday for the whole family. Slimane wants to start again from there, from the cohesive power of good food, for a venture that can give his family their lost well-being and unity. Will he succeed?

Couscous (La graine et le mulet) is directed by the Tunisian-French director Abdellatif Kechiche and won the Special Jury Prize and the César prize in 2007.