Watch A Revolution in Four Seasons

A Revolution in Four Seasons is a documentary film that provides an intimate and reveaing glimpse into the lives of two women who play significant roles in the political upheaval in Tunisia following the country's revolution in 2011. Directed by Jessie Deeter, the movie follows Amira Yahyaoui, a young, tech-savvy activist who becomes a leader of the opposition movement against the authoritarian regime of President Ben Ali, and Jawhara Ettis, a long-time member of the ruling party and a former businesswoman who decides to run for office as an independent.

The film is set in the backdrop of the Arab Spring, a series of popular protests and uprisings that spread across the Middle East and North Africa, beginning in Tunisia in December 2011, and leading to the fall of several longstanding dictators in the region. Through the eyes of Amira and Jawhara, A Revolution in Four Seasons chronicles the tumultuous and often violent political climate that grips Tunisia in the aftermath of the revolution, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing women trying to participate in the country's nascent democracy.

The documentary's central focus is on the contrasting styles and strategies of the two women, as they navigate the complex and treacherous world of Tunisian politics. Amira, who comes from a modest background, is a fearless and tireless organizer who embraces social media and technology as tools for mobilizing and connecting with young activists. She is shown holding meetings, drumming up support, and leading protests against the government, even as she faces surveillance, intimidation, and arrest from the security forces. Amira's tactical skills and dogged determination earn her the respect and admiration of her peers in the opposition, as well as the support of international human rights organizations.

Jawhara, on the other hand, is depicted as a well-educated and well-connected elite who is disillusioned with the corruption and cronyism of the ruling party. Despite being ostracized and marginalized by her former colleagues, she decides to run for office as an independent, hoping to capitalize on her reputation as a successful businesswoman and her connections with the country's elite. However, she encounters numerous roadblocks and setbacks, including a smear campaign by the party, difficulties in fundraising, and a lack of support from the media and the public. The documentary shows how Jawhara must navigate numerous obstacles as a woman trying to enter politics in a deeply patriarchal society, where women are often relegated to the sidelines or used as tokens for the regime's propaganda.

The documentary also takes a broader view of the political and social changes taking place in Tunisia, and the challenges facing the country as it transitions to a democracy. It includes interviews with political analysts, historians, and journalists, who provide context and insights into the country's history and culture, as well as its present-day challenges. The film examines issues such as the role of the military, the challenges of transitional justice, the rise of Islamist groups, and the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities, such as the Amazigh (Berber) minority.

One of the strengths of A Revolution in Four Seasons is the way in which it humanizes the political struggle in Tunisia, showing the personal sacrifices and risks taken by those who fight for change, as well as the dilemmas and trade-offs involved in pursuing political power. The film avoids simplistic or romanticized portrayals of the revolution or the activists themselves, instead offering a nuanced and empathetic portrait of their struggles and achievements. The documentary also portrays the diversity and complexity of Tunisian society, highlighting the voices and perspectives of women, young people, and marginalized groups, who are often overlooked in mainstream media coverage.

Overall, A Revolution in Four Seasons is a compelling and insightful documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the political upheaval and social complexities of post-revolutionary Tunisia. Through the lives of Amira and Jawhara, the film captures the hopes, fears, and aspirations of a generation of Tunisians who seek a better future for their country, even as they confront the challenges and obstacles of a turbulent and uncertain period in their history.

A Revolution in Four Seasons is a documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes.