Dora Bouchoucha, a Tunisian film producer, is a highly innovative and respected figure in Tunisian cinema. She has mentored many young directors and is known for her keen eye for talent. Bouchoucha’s career in film production began relatively late, following her initial focus on literature and a chance conversation with Tunisian director Moufida Tlatli in the mid-1990s.
Bouchoucha co-founded Nomadis Images and has produced numerous successful films, including those by Tunisian directors Raja Amari and Mohamed Ben Attia. Despite being a relatively lone female voice in the industry, Bouchoucha has not felt discriminated against and has worked tirelessly to engage and inspire new generations of filmmakers.
In addition to her work as a producer, Bouchoucha has also founded Sud Écriture, an association that mentors emerging African and Arab filmmakers. She has contributed to various workshops and labs and is committed to nurturing new talent in the industry.
Bouchoucha’s contribution to film has been widely celebrated, and she has received plaudits and awards from film festivals around the world. She was also elected to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2018, along with 11 other Arab filmmakers.
Despite concerns about the shrinking space for free speech in Tunisia, Bouchoucha remains optimistic about the industry’s future and the continued diversity and strength of storytelling in African and Arab cinema.