The Needle 2023

Directed by Abdelhamid Bouchnak

A Tunisian couple, Dali and Mariem, welcomes their first child, only to discover the baby is intersex, with biological sex characteristics that do not fit typical male or female definitions. Confronted with societal pressure, family expectations, and their own uncertainties, they struggle to navigate the stigma and challenges imposed by rigid gender norms. As they grapple with decisions about identity, acceptance, and the future, the family’s bonds are tested, forcing them to confront deeply ingrained beliefs about gender, society, and parenthood.