August 13, 2025
XCIII — Taqwa Bint Ali
Taqwa Bint Ali is a French-Tunisian film director based between the United Arab Emirates and France.

Below are Taqwa’s SELECTS:

Motion Picture
La Saison des Hommes by Moufida Tlatli
2000

A film I deeply admire. It’s one of the few movies that truly showcases South Tunisian culture, particularly the social realities of the southern regions. This film has been one of my biggest inspirations in my work.

Motion Picture
V for Vendetta by James McTeigue
2006

Truly one of my all-time favorite films. I can watch it endlessly without ever getting tired of it. Its universality and timeless message make it feel relevant no matter the era. The film’s coherence and powerful visuals keep me hooked every time.

Motion Picture
20th Century Boys (Trilogy) by Yukihiko Tsutsumi
2008

An adaptation of one of my favorite manga by a Japanese mangaka I admire deeply. It perfectly captures the spirit of the original story with respect and attention to detail, making it a standout adaptation.

Campaign
‘Esprit’ Jean Paul Gaultier by Jean-Baptiste Mondino
1995

This is something I discovered while working at JPG. It has a unique energy and style that fragrance campaigns today rarely match. It remains a major creative inspiration for me.

Motion Picture
Veer-Zaara by Yash Chopra
2004

When it comes to Bollywood, ‘Veer-Zaara’ by Yash Chopra is one of the best films I’ve ever seen in the genre. There’s not a single flaw from casting to visuals to soundtrack and the emotional depth of the story is unforgettable.

Music Video
‘Territory’ The Blaze by The Blaze
2017

‘Territory’ touches on the theme of diaspora and the return to one’s homeland, a theme I will never stop telling through my art. That sense of longing, identity, and homecoming is so powerful and personal.

Motion Picture
A Prophet by Jacques Audiard
2009

This was the first film I saw featuring Tahar Rahim. After watching it, I followed his career closely, excited to see a North African actor in such a critically acclaimed film. That moment was pivotal for me; it really sparked something inside.

Motion Picture
Wadjda by Haifaa Al-Mansour
2012

In my opinion, the best Saudi film. It broke new ground and introduced fresh perspectives from the region to the global cinema landscape.

Motion Picture
Kill Bill Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 by Quentin Tarantino
2003

Two films I obsess over. Even though I’ve only seen them once, I remember every detail vividly. The style, the energy, the storytelling — it all left a lasting impression.

PEOPLE IN THIS ARTICLE
Moufida Tlatli
Mentioned
James McTeigue
Mentioned
Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Mentioned
Jean-Baptiste Mondino
Mentioned
Yash Chopra
Mentioned
Haifaa Al-Mansour
Mentioned