Une Ete A La Goulette (aka A Summer In La Goulette) (1996)

Set in 1967 just before the Arab-Israeli war in the North African country of Tunisia in the coastal town of La Goulette. Three teenage girls (Sonia Mankai, Sarah Pariente, Ava Cohen Jonathan) from three different religious backgrounds (Muslim, Catholic, Jewish) make a pact to lose their virginity before the summer is over. Directed by Ferid Boughedir, this is a very different "coming of age" story. The film's emphasis is on how a once tolerant country where everyone co-existed (relatively) peacefully sees intolerance emerge after Tunisia gets its independence from France. The rise of Islam caused most of its Jewish citizens to leave. It's a fascinating look at a culture rarely seen on western screens. The colorful and atmospheric city of La Goulette is lovingly shot by Robert Alazraki, its charm is offset by the bittersweet ending. With Claudia Cardinale (an actual La Goulette native), Gamil Ratib, Mustapha Adouani, Guy Nataf, Ivo Salerno and Fatima Ben Saidane.