In an innovative effort to make cinema more accessible, Tunisia is bringing the big screen directly to the audience with Cinema Tdour, a mobile cinema that travels to underserved communities across the country. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap for Tunisian communities that lack easy access to movie theaters or cultural events, with some residents having to travel up to 90 kilometers (56 miles) to reach a cinema.
“The cinema halls in Tunisia are mainly concentrated in the capital,” said Cinema Tdour project manager, Meriam Ben Zayed. “Outside of the capital, there are no cinemas.” The mobile cinema aims to address this issue by bringing films and cultural experiences directly to those in remote areas.
But Cinema Tdour isn’t just about showing movies. The initiative is also focused on inspiring young people. “Among the audience, perhaps 50 of them will develop an interest in music, cinema, or theater. Instead of causing harm, they might write a song or pursue a creative outlet,” said Ines Ben Othmen, a film director who recently showcased her film to the audience at a Cinema Tdour screening.

The mobile cinema also aims to encourage children and youth to follow their dreams, regardless of their backgrounds. At a recent screening in Tunis, Olympic Taekwondo Champion Firas Katoussi and Olympic Karate Champion Khalil Jandoubi attended to share their motivational messages. “I want to tell them not to give up and to resist in order to achieve their dreams. We come from humble neighborhoods and lacked the support we needed, but we believed in ourselves and succeeded,” said Jandoubi.
In addition to entertainment, Cinema Tdour also plays a role in public service. The initiative partners with the World Health Organization (WHO) to organize sessions that educate movie-goers about important health issues, raising awareness and promoting community well-being.
The Cinema Tdour vehicle has a capacity of 100 seats, and while it prioritizes visiting rural and remote areas, it also makes stops in urban centers like Tunis. In December, Cinema Tdour brought the magic of cinema to eager audiences in the capital, offering a unique cultural experience for those who would otherwise have limited access.
With the motto “The cinema comes to you wherever you are,” the Cinema Tdour project ensures that even the most overlooked communities are not left out of the world of film and cultural engagement.