A3radh Janibia

Short film

Logline

A young drug dealer trapped in a toxic friendship with his abusive partner must choose between loyalty and survival when a fatal delivery reveals that his friend is not what he seems.

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Synopsis

Ahmed, a withdrawn young man drifting through coastal Tunisia, spends his days selling erectile pills with his charismatic and abusive partner Louay.

Louay controls every aspect of their operation, and Ahmed himself, through ridicule, casual violence, and calculated displays of affection. Whenever Ahmed resists, Louay pulls him back with the same manipulative statement: “Menich 5ouk ena?”

When their supplier offers them a lucrative delivery to a mysterious client, Louay pressures Ahmed into handling the transaction alone. The customer later dies from an overdose, leaving Ahmed terrified and guilt-ridden. Louay, however, remains disturbingly indifferent, treating the death as an inconvenience rather than a tragedy.

Ahmed soon discovers that police have security footage placing him at the scene. Worse, Louay has secretly arranged to sell his car, Ahmed's only home, and flee the country to leave Ahmed with all the blame.

The revelation exposes the truth behind their friendship: Louay's charm, car, and talks of brotherhood were always to keep Ahmed obedient and disposable.

When Ahmed confronts him, their psychological struggle erupts into a brutal fight.

Budget

A3radh Janibia is designed with a highly achievable, ultra-low-budget short film where the emotional conflict is the spectacle:

  • Relationship-driven story: The film's primary focus is the complicated bond between Ahmed and Louay. Because the drama comes from their power dynamic, the production can remain visually contained while still feeling intense.
  • The micro cast: Most of the film is carried by the 2 leads, with a limited number of supporting characters appearing briefly as customers, Fares, and Ahmed’s father through a phone call.
  • Few locations: The story takes place inside the car, on the beach, in parking areas and in a public park. These are practical locations that can be filmed with zero set dressing.

The car, for one, is a character of its own. It functions as transportation, a base of operations, a home, and Louay's very hold over Ahmed.

  • No expensive spectacles: The suspense comes from performance, implications and off-screen consequences. The customer's death, police activity, and the larger criminal network do not require elaborate scenes.
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