Yusra (1971)
A painter's moonlit encounter on the shores of Carthage spirals into obsession, myth, and desire in this enigmatic Tunisian-French-Swedish co-production.
Yusra - Movie Information
- Original Title: Yusra
- Release Year: 1971
- Directed by: Rachid Ferchiou
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1971 (TN)
- Alternative Titles: Yousra (FR)
- Production Companies: SATPEC, Swedish Film Production, Salammbô Productions
- Production Countries: France, Sweden, Tunisia
Yusra - Plot
On the evening of his birthday, the young painter Sadri walked out on his mistress Lisa, and the party planned in his honour. While ambling along the beaches of Carthage in the dead of night, he sees a young woman, as beautiful as she was enigmatic, completely nude, rise up out of the waves. She told him her name was Yusra. From that time on Sadri was to live a story of wild love and spellbinding erotism with the mysterious stranger, abandoning the heartbroken Lisa. While attempting to paint her portrait, Sadri noticed there was a strange resemblance between Yusra and Lisa. An old wise man whom he met in the ruins of Carthage, told him that Yusra was one of the names of Dido, queen of ancient Carthage, who sometimes comes back to earth in the body of a young woman. Sadri tries to solve the mystery of the origins of the beautiful stranger.
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Yusra - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rachid Ferchiou
Main Cast
- Ewa Swann
- Richard Leduc
- Moheddine Mrad
- M'Rad Bey
- Christina Lindberg
- Uta Bone
Writers
- Rachid Ferchiou
- Habib Boulares
Producers
- Hassen Daldoul
- Rachid Ferchiou
Yusra - FAQs
What is Yusra (1971) about?
Yusra follows a young painter named Sadri who, wandering the beaches of Carthage at night, encounters a beautiful and enigmatic woman rising from the sea. Their passionate affair deepens into mystery when an old sage reveals she may be Dido, the legendary queen of ancient Carthage, returning to earth.
Who directed Yusra (1971)?
Yusra was directed by Rachid Ferchiou, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Habib Boulares and served as one of the film's producers. It stands as a notable early work in Tunisian cinema, blending Mediterranean mythology with sensual drama.
Who are the main actors in Yusra?
The principal cast of Yusra includes Ewa Swann, Richard Leduc, Moheddine Mrad, M'Rad Bey, Christina Lindberg, and Uta Bone. The film features a mix of European and Tunisian talent, reflecting its international co-production between France, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Is Yusra based on a true story or myth?
Yusra is not based on a true story but draws heavily on ancient mythology. The narrative is rooted in the legend of Dido, the founding queen of Carthage, whose story originates in Phoenician and Roman tradition. The film reimagines this mythological figure through a contemporary romantic and erotic lens.
When was Yusra released?
Yusra was released on January 1, 1971, in Tunisia. The film is a co-production between France, Sweden, and Tunisia, and represents one of the earliest internationally collaborative feature films to emerge from Tunisian cinema.
Where to watch Yusra online?
Streaming availability for Yusra (1971) varies by region. As a rare early Tunisian co-production, it has limited digital distribution. You can check current streaming and viewing options available in your region via JustWatch for the most up-to-date platform listings.
Where was Yusra filmed?
Yusra was filmed on location in Tunisia, with the beaches and ancient ruins of Carthage serving as the film's atmospheric backdrop. The historic setting is central to the story, as the ruins of Carthage provide the mythological context connecting the mysterious Yusra to the legendary queen Dido.
How long is the film Yusra?
Yusra has a runtime of 90 minutes, making it a compact feature that moves efficiently through its layered narrative of romantic obsession and ancient myth. The film was shot by cinematographer Hans Dittmer and co-written by director Rachid Ferchiou and Habib Boulares.
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