Of Skin and Men

After her husband's death, Amel reorients her world through the camera lens. A young photographer by trade, she begins to photograph urban street life, focusing on boys who drift through the city. With a push from her father-in-law, she pushes past fear of judgment and reshapes her gaze. The act becomes less about sensationalism and more about reclaiming agency in a world that often defines women by others' expectations. As she follows fleeting moments on the streets, she confronts the double standard head on, positioning her own curiosity as a tool for self discovery. The film centers on resilience, loss, and the uneasy freedom that comes when boundaries are redefined. The film ponders whether looking can heal for some viewers.

Directed by Mehdi Ben Attia, this 2018 drama stems from an original screenplay by Martin Drouot. The film, led by Hafsia Herzi with a supporting cast, uses intimate photography and an urban setting to probe gender dynamics and personal reinvention.

Reception emphasizes the quiet, disciplined gaze at power and desire. Critics note Amel's resolve to reframe the way women are seen, turning vulnerability into agency. The film treats loss as fuel for self definition, while it questions the line between art, intrusion, and consent. Its camera work heightens the street.

Box office data for this release isn't widely publicized. It likely had a limited festival and theatrical run in select markets, without a broad international rollout. Some territories also saw modest DVD and streaming releases after a short window worldwide.

While it drew solid performances from its cast, the film did not receive major award nominations. Critics praised the lead performance and the director's restrained approach, but the project remained largely within art house circuits rather than the awards spotlight. Observers highlight Ben Attia's patient pacing and restrained storytelling, noted.