Donkey smuggles cocaine across Algerian-Tunisian border

The French film 'Borderline,' slated for filming in spring 2027, will be presented at Haugesund's Nordic Co-Production Market. Palestinian actor Tawfeek Barhom leads the cast as Hichem, a customs officer stationed on the Algerian-Tunisian border. Hichem strives to provide for his family but becomes entangled in a corrupt system.

The plot takes a surreal turn when Hichem discovers a music-loving donkey carrying cocaine. This discovery forces him into a moral quandary: profit from the illicit goods or uphold the law. Director Yves Piat aims to balance realism and absurdity, drawing comparisons to the works of Elia Suleiman and the Coen brothers.

Producer Damien Megherbi highlighted the film's exploration of both real and metaphorical borders. The Algerian-Tunisian border serves as a backdrop, questioning the human-made divisions that impact lives. The narrative delves into Hichem's struggle with integrity amidst corruption and the inherent absurdity of such borders.

'Borderline' is a French-Spanish co-production involving Les Valseurs, Sumendi, and BTeam, with support from various regional and national film funds. The production team is seeking additional Nordic co-producers and aims for an international appeal, believing the themes of borders and deadpan humor will resonate globally.