The Silences of the Palace

During the 50s, whilst outside on the streets Tunisian rebels advocated independence from France, inside the tiled walls of the palace the women silently go about their work. Sold into the prince’s household, they are trained to silent obedience in cooking, cleaning, sewing, and sexual favours. Alia is the bright, curious girl whose mother tries to protect her from the Master’s attentions. Years later, the adult Alia returns, and reflects on her life then and now. Seductively shot and edited, SILENCES earned its director numerous international awards.