Life Style: ‘Ashkal’: Cannes’ Tunisian title is unnerving but a little bizarre

CHENNAI: A fiery thriller that blends policework with elements of science fiction and the supernatural, Cannes Film Festival title “Ashkal” is Tunisian director Youssef Chebbi’s debut feature-length work — and it premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the recently concluded festival.

The director is known for his previous short films, including one on human trafficking, and also the award-clinching documentary “Babylon.” Watching “Ashkal,” it seems that the auteur used his earlier experience with shorts for his latest outing, a thriller set in a shadowy world.