The Little Sister

Grounded by astounding lead performances, Hafsia Herzi’s film gently navigates the internal conflict between sexuality and religion. Fatima ((incredible newcomer Nadia Melliti)) is at the precipice of graduating high school. She dresses and acts like “one of the boys”, but gets into a fight one day when her sexuality is challenged. The altercation triggers an emotional asthma attack for Fatima – which serendipitously leads to an unexpected meet-cute with a Korean nurse, Ji-Na (Ji-Min Park; Return to Seoul, SFF 2022). While she dives into the dating apps, partaking in chatty drinks and steamy hook-ups, Fatima slowly falls in love with Ji-Na. But she is compelled to find a way to square this newfound love – for Ji-Na, for herself, and for dating women – with her Muslim faith.