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TÊTES BRÛLÉES set for D’A Barcelona Film Festival screenings
26 March 2025
Following its acclaimed world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it received two Special Mentions in the Generation 14plus section, TÊTES BRÛLÉES will continue its festival journey with screenings at the D’A Barcelona Film Festival.
The screenings will be followed by a Q&A session with director Maja Ajmia Zellama on March 28th at 5:15 pm and March 29th at 7:35 pm, both at Aribau 4.
A Belgian production with a Tunisian flavor, TÊTES BRÛLÉES is a coming-of-age story shaped by tragedy that follows 12-year-old Eya as she comes to grips with the sudden loss of her older brother Younès, with whom she shared an intense and inseparable bond. Immersed in a deeply codified and intense grieving process, she draws on her creativity, resilience, and the support of Younès’ friends to come to terms with his passing and carve out her own path toward adulthood.
At the Berlinale, TÊTES BRÛLÉES received two Special Mentions, one from the official Generation 14plus jury and another from the Independent Jury of the AG Kino - Gilde - Cinema Vision 14plus, cementing its place as one of the standout titles in this year’s festival.
In their official statement, the Generation 14plus jury described the film as “a remarkable debut that offers a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl. With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it brings grief’s complexity to the forefront, showing how loss can be painful and transformative. A bold yet gentle work, it reminds us of the power of unity in difficult times.”
The film has also received praise from critics, Aurore Engelen of Cineuropa noting that “TÊTES BRÛLÉES is a film of few words but many gestures: Of hands reaching out and arms which embrace and console,” and highlighting the sensitivity of the direction, stating that “Maja Ajmia Zellama captures the strength and fragility of moments such as these.”
Produced by Komoko and co-produced by Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films, TÊTES BRÛLÉES is written and directed by the Belgian-Tunisian-Danish director and screenwriter Maja Ajmia Zellama. A graduate of the LUCA School of Arts, Zellama is the co-founder and president of the ASBL Bledarte — a Brussels-based association that promotes the expression and empowerment of immigrant youth through art and culture.
The film is produced by Marc Goyens (HERE, GHOST TROPIC) and Nabil Ben Yadir (ANIMALS), lensed by Grimm Vandekerckhove (HERE, GHOST TROPIC), edited by Dieter Diependaele (HERE, GHOST TROPIC), with Eve Martin handling production design, Marie McCourt casting, and David Vranken sound design. Additionally, the film’s international sales are handled by MAD World while MAD Distribution is in charge of its MENA-wide distribution.
As for the talents in front of the camera, TÊTES BRÛLÉES stars Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama, and Monia Taieb.
The screenings will be followed by a Q&A session with director Maja Ajmia Zellama on March 28th at 5:15 pm and March 29th at 7:35 pm, both at Aribau 4.
A Belgian production with a Tunisian flavor, TÊTES BRÛLÉES is a coming-of-age story shaped by tragedy that follows 12-year-old Eya as she comes to grips with the sudden loss of her older brother Younès, with whom she shared an intense and inseparable bond. Immersed in a deeply codified and intense grieving process, she draws on her creativity, resilience, and the support of Younès’ friends to come to terms with his passing and carve out her own path toward adulthood.
At the Berlinale, TÊTES BRÛLÉES received two Special Mentions, one from the official Generation 14plus jury and another from the Independent Jury of the AG Kino - Gilde - Cinema Vision 14plus, cementing its place as one of the standout titles in this year’s festival.
In their official statement, the Generation 14plus jury described the film as “a remarkable debut that offers a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl. With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it brings grief’s complexity to the forefront, showing how loss can be painful and transformative. A bold yet gentle work, it reminds us of the power of unity in difficult times.”
The film has also received praise from critics, Aurore Engelen of Cineuropa noting that “TÊTES BRÛLÉES is a film of few words but many gestures: Of hands reaching out and arms which embrace and console,” and highlighting the sensitivity of the direction, stating that “Maja Ajmia Zellama captures the strength and fragility of moments such as these.”
Produced by Komoko and co-produced by Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films, TÊTES BRÛLÉES is written and directed by the Belgian-Tunisian-Danish director and screenwriter Maja Ajmia Zellama. A graduate of the LUCA School of Arts, Zellama is the co-founder and president of the ASBL Bledarte — a Brussels-based association that promotes the expression and empowerment of immigrant youth through art and culture.
The film is produced by Marc Goyens (HERE, GHOST TROPIC) and Nabil Ben Yadir (ANIMALS), lensed by Grimm Vandekerckhove (HERE, GHOST TROPIC), edited by Dieter Diependaele (HERE, GHOST TROPIC), with Eve Martin handling production design, Marie McCourt casting, and David Vranken sound design. Additionally, the film’s international sales are handled by MAD World while MAD Distribution is in charge of its MENA-wide distribution.
As for the talents in front of the camera, TÊTES BRÛLÉES stars Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama, and Monia Taieb.
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