Mobile cinema brings big screen magic to Tunisia's remote communities
Like many of his fellow Tunisians, 23-year-old Amine Elhani has never been to the cinema, but now, thanks to a mobile theatre touring the country, he can finally enjoy the big screen.
The bright red truck of CinemaTdour, or "moving cinema", has transformed parking lots and factory grounds in underserved towns and neighbourhoods across the North African country into pop-up theatres.
In the central town of Djemmal, dozens of workers unloaded the expandable truck, easily setting up a fully equipped outdoor movie theatre with 100 seats.
"The screen is huge, and the sound effects are amazing," said Elhani, who had so far only watched films on his phone or computer.
He had "never had the chance to go to a movie theatre", he told AFP.
"It's a fantastic experience, especially because I'm watching with friends."
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Cinema scarcity
Movie theatres are scarce in Tunisia, numbering at just 15 and largely concentrated in major urban hubs.
Recognising this gap, CinemaTdour was launched in May by private cultural network Agora and nonprofit Focus Gabes, with funding from private donors.
"We wanted a way to reach as many viewers as possible, in a short time and on a limited budget, while offering them an authentic cinematic experience," project director Ghofrane Heraghi told AFP.
"I can't wait to see what it's like inside and what films they'll show," she said.
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