Original subtitles

Edition www.trigon-fi m.org

Breaking news:

We've just learned that

the razor blade slasher, aka. the Challat,

has committed three more aggressions.

Security forces have arrested the criminal.

His Excellency, President Ben Ali,

has shown great interest in this case,

confirming his determination

to punish all those who dare defy Tunisia's public order

and its stability.

CHALLAT 0F TUNIS

10 years later

MORNAG CIVIL PRISON

NO PHOTOGRAPHY

Let's go.

What are you doing?

Hi there.

You can't film here!

I have a question.

Go ahead.

The Challat, the woman slasher from 2003,

is he here in this prison?

Stop filming!

Can't you see the sign? It's as big as a satellite dish!

Yeah, I saw it.

Then you know the law.

We have a film permit.

You have a permit? Who are you?

We're film students.

Welcome. Now let me see the permit.

Stop filming!

Is the permit in the car?

Give me the permit. - Just a second.

Take yourtime...

Do you have it?

Got it.

Here you go.

Are you shooting a film?

And you're still students? - Yes.

Film permit...

See, we have the right to film.

Yes, but this won't do.

Why not?

You have the right to film but I have orders to follow.

So we can't film? - Of course not!

Do you see the sign or don't you?

But we have a permit.

Then go film the guy who gave it to you!

I have orders to follow.

Why the Challat? Is he a relative?

No, Ijust want to know if he's here.

I have no idea. Everyone's a slasher in there!

Turn that camera off!

I told you not to film!

OK, take it easy.

Can you just answer my question?

No, I can't give away the jail's secrets.

What secrets?

You think it's a clubhouse in there?

You're getting nothing from me.

Turn that off!

What's wrong with you?

Take it easy!

I swear I'm going to smash it!

Put it down.

Give it back! You have no right...

No, YOU have no right to be here!

Just give it back, take it easy.

Do you have any ID?

Yes of course. - Give me back my camera!

It's got all my work inside! You don't scare me.

Hey, we have a permit!

Well, go use it elsewhere.

You're not gonna listen?

You're breaking the law!

But we're within our rights.

Why aren't you gone already?

Here's your camera.

Now get the hell out of here!

Right now?

Can I put some clothes on?

Whatever you like.

OK, let's go.

How did it happen?

I was walking on the beach with my girlfriends...

We heard a motorbike behind us.

We thought it was just some creep hitting on us.

I felt something cold on my backside.

I didn't realise what had happened.

My leg felt kind of heavy...

There was blood pouring down.

You see it?

I got a tattoo to hide the scar.

It hurt so bad, I almost fainted.

Did you press charges?

No, I didn't want to make a big deal of it.

Seeking Challat for a film. Please call this number.

He loved fresh meat, that's for sure.

Yeah, especially the fatty parts!

The Challat is a product of our Muslim culture.

In our society, slashing means leaving a mark on another person.

That's wrong! It has nothing to do with Islam!

Where in the Koran did you read "Thou shalt slash each other"?

I never said in Islam but in Arab culture...

In some Arab countries men are still carrying daggers!

It's a sign of virility.

Honestly, he did a good thing.

Because we were fed up.

A famous Saudi preacher once said:

"The Tunisian street is a minefield of sin."

You get it?

It's a rumour.

What do you mean, a rumour?

There weren't any eyewitnesses.

We just heard about it.

It was a rumour. We Tunisians are the Kings of Rumours!

Wouldn't you say?

Maybe he was just a purse snatcher.

She didn't let go of her bag, he slashed her and took off.

And the legend of Challat was born.

But there were several victims. - Yeah, supposedly.

Girls must dress correctly,

in a respectful manner.

Am I respectable? - You are.

Honestly? - Yes.

But since it's raining you could have worn jeans.

So I'm not respectable? - Well, more or less.

If a woman dresses respectably,

she will get respect. It's as simple as that.

Othen/vise she deserves to be slashed?

No, not slashed...

But ifa woman goes out half-naked...

Yes, she should be slashed!

Right? - She should be slashed!

She should be slashed. Period!

What did you say?

I said she should be slashed.

Why?

Call me jihadist, extremist, whatever you want...

But a half-naked woman... - Should cover up!

Decency is a good thing.

And if one doesn't keep an eye on his sister's dress code...

He's not a man!

But doesn't she decide how to dress herself?

You mean, if she decides to go out almost naked, that's OK?

So, as a man with certain natural urges

ifI rape her, nobody can blame me.

There was never any Challat.

When I married Hakim,

I was 19 years old.

My senior year in high school, I dropped out.

I thought that marriage meant happiness,

that Hakim would take care of me.

ButI ended up like this dish.

Simple decoration.

Back then tattoos were in fashion.

All the girls had one.

I told Hakim that I wanted a tattoo.

If I want something from Hakim

I have to ask weeks ahead.

It's not easy, I don't have my own money.

I have to go to him for everything.

Of course he was against it.

Argued that he didn't want any scribbles on my body.

So I let it go.

ButI resented him for it.

The next summer I was at the beach with friends...

We were all in bikinis.

A guy came towards us...

he was creepy.

He started yelling:

"Shame on you with your bikinis!"

"The Challat will take care of you!"

That stuck in my mind.

I went back home,

got a knife,

and cut myself.

What can I say?

Hakim came home...

He found me on the ground in a state of shock

both from the pain

and from my own lie.

He was scared for me and asked me to press charges.

But I refused.

A few months later,

the pain was gone but the scar was still there.

I asked Hakim to let me get a tattoo.

He threw some money at me,

and said: "Go ahead"

That's it.

You mean, you slashed yourself for a tattoo?

I don't know...

I wasn't thinking.

You might think I'm crazy.

It was a moment of madness...

I still don't understand.

You wanna meet the Challat?

10 dinars and I'll take you to him.

That's him!

We have no slasher here.

He's mentally disturbed.

Do you know him? - We were in jail together.

What's his name? - Why?

I'm not gonna rat on my friend!

Wait.

Come here, I'll give you his name.

You want an actor?

Shut up!

You want a Challat?

I'll find you someone, you pay him

and he'll be your Challat!

I don't want an actor. - You want the real guy?

Iwant my film to be real, if not I'd hire an actor.

Take me, I'm an actor!

Get me a blade, a bike and I'll put on a show!

Ready?

Hi.

Convince me that you're the Challat.

I could be him. And so could anybody else.

Well are you or aren't you?

Iam me and he is he.

But if you want me to be him, no problem!

Okay, show me.

I rented a motorbike,

I put my hood on so no one would recognise me.

She was waiting for the bus.

I came up behind her with a razor blade,

and I slashed her ass.

I left her on the ground. People started to gather, and I fled.

All this talk about blades...

not just anyone can handle a blade.

Bullshitters.

I used to pimp whores.

Whores, alcohol, all kinds of stuff.

I respect women, I don't like harming them.

I've only slashed 3 or 4...

There was this one girl...

I couldn't get her off my mind.

I wanted to teach her a lesson.

She thought she was such hot shit,

that we were all crazy about her.

"The Queen of the Neighbourhood."

I slashed her.

That'll teach her!

She acted all saintly and innocent

strutting around in tight jeans,

making sure her panties were showing.

If a girl rejects me

I slash her.

What do you want from these girls?

What do you mean?

To get to know them... sexually speaking!

With very few exceptions

all Tunisian women are whores.

They create chaos!

When you slash it's like an orgasm.

You can slash her face,

but the ass is better.

So that every time she takes down her pants,

she remembers what she's done.

I put garlic on my blade.

Why garlic?

The wound stays open and doesn't heal quickly.

Because of me, she can't sit on the toilet.

And she can no longer sleep on her back!

It's her torture.

Thank God for the girls I slash,

othen/vise I might have to slash myself.

And my body's much too precious to harm.

Ready to act?

Of course, if not I wouldn't have shown up at 6 am.

Can you be the Challat?

With who?

OK, why do you slash?

When I see them in their tight jeans

they drive me crazy.

So I need to teach them a lesson.

So you're educating them?

Exactly.

Do you feel relieved alten/vards?

Explain to me how you use your blade.

My blade is always ready.

Let's see it. - I don't have it on me.

Sit down please.

I need to talkto you.

I'm listening.

What's going on here? - You want to audition?

No, I'm the guy you're looking for.

What do you mean? - I'm the slasher.

Really? - Who are all these guys?

We're making a film.

What film?

You're looking for the Challat, right?

Well, here I am.

Are you an actor? - No.

What's on your T-shirt?

See for yourself.

Scarface ? - Yes.

So you're an actor putting on a show.

Look at this newspaper article.

It's my name: Jalel Dridi.

I read this article, there's no name mentioned.

You're making this up.

There's no name in this article!

But I was sent to prison...

Look, it says: “A single 21-year-old man...”

But there's no name.

You want these motherfuckers out?

Excuse me?

Watch your language. - Watch my language?

Look at you, all full of yourself

with your fucked up casting!

I'm the one who goes to jail and gets beaten up...

And you give the role to one of these losers?

I'm the Challat.

Did it happen to them?

You asked for me and here I am.

Now are you gonna give me the role?

Can't you watch your mouth? - That's my way of speaking.

How do you want me to talk?

I started out polite. - Speak to me with respect!

What fucking respect do you mean?

What respect?

Not one of them will get the role.

They're the same as you. - They're nothing like me!

Did they go to jail with me?

And have you suffered like me?

I got severely beaten-up.

Even was taken to the hospital.

And you sit there

handing out roles

to all these fakers...

What's the problem?

Fuck off!

No one will have this role!

Tough guy! - You got it.

I'm so scared! - That's right, I scare you.

Come back!

I'll be waiting outside, I'm going to make your life hell.

Not to mention all these losers!

Come back. - No way.

Go call the cops!

No... - Fuck you, fuck the cops!

They don't scare me.

POLICE DEPARTMENT TUNIS CITY DISTRICT

Welcome. - Thank you.

I have this article from 2003.

It's been awhile.

It says that your crime unit arrested the Challat.

Of course I remember, it was in 2003.

But why take an interest in such a subject?

Ijust want to know his name.

Something like... Dridi...

He was from Ezzouhour.

That I'm sure of, but his full identity

is harder to remember.

I'd need to look through the archives.

Do you have the archives? - Inch'Allah.

If not, the Tribunal will have it in their archives.

ABDELAZIZ MZOUGHI LAWYER

I know he was arrested,

but I don't know if he was tried.

We can check on it, but certain rules have to be respected

What rules?

Since he's not my client,

I can't access his files.

How can you find out?

I can check with the Court

and find out for you.

His name is Jalel Dridi.

The police told me he was the one arrested.

I always thought the Challat was just an urban legend.

We had all heard of him, and everyone was afraid.

And then the story quickly faded.

People are still skeptical about it.

Was it completely made up by certain “special agents”...

Who knows?

At one point I was scared for my 2 daughters.

Then I figured it wasn't true because the affair died down.

Is it easy to access the Tribunal archives?

It depends on the case.

In the past, during the dictatorship, if it was a sensitive case

the whole administration would obstruct you.

But there weren't any problems for ordinary cases.

Since the revolution,

if you manage to avoid any of the remaining Old Guard

we can work normally.

Hello.

Do you know this guy?

No I don't.

You're sure? - I'm sure.

But everybody knows everybody here.

God protect us from such an ugly face!

He's slashing women? Well let's defend ourselves!

What did we ever do to him?

Where'd you find such a nutcase?

He's not from around here.

He doesn't live here?

I don't know, I haven't seen anything.

I don't know him.

Jalel?

No, I don't know him.

You just said Jalel.

You know him or don't you?

Take me to see him.

I don't know where he lives.

Jalel, Bel hassen's brother?

Yeah.

Show me his house.

I know where he lives but I can't tell you.

Why not?

I dunno...

Why can't you tell me?

What are you scared of?

Nothing, but I don't want any trouble.

That's Jalel.

Where does he live? - Over there.

Keep going straight, there's a dead-end on the right.

It's next to the phone repair shop.

What are you fishing? - Nothing. Just killing time.

Hello.

Good morning.

I'm looking for the young man who lives here.

He's not here.

He'll be back later. - Soon?

He's at the café, you can wait here.

Can we wait inside? - Of course, come in.

Were you doing some henna?

Yes, it's ready now.

Can I see?

Pretty. - Thanks.

Tell me about Jalel.

He's an educated boy.

Was a good student.

And then one day he decided to quit school...

to immigrate.

He was obsessed with leaving the country.

Until the whole Challat affair.

It was a strange phenomenon.

All of Tunis had heard about it

and wanted to see who the Challat was.

In our neighbourhood some people knew him, some didn't.

But they all wanted to meet him.

Even today, when I see old acquaintances

and I tell them about my son,

they're surprised and want to see him.

To see the slasher for themselves.

They remember the articles about him

and can't believe that the Challat is my son!

My son was the first one to be arrested in the neighbourhood.

He'd go to the beach and a crowd would follow him

chanting: "Challat!"

In the neighbourhood it was always "Challat, Challat!"

So basically, Jalel became the Challat.

Welcome.

So, you're seen the light, you believe me now?

Yep.

I wasn't lying. I was telling the truth.

You needed to see the light.

Those guys that showed up were all fakes.

I told you to check your facts with the authorities,

and here you are. Welcome.

I want to know what really happened. Why did you slash all those women ?

Why did I slash them?

It's in the past now, it's over.

You want to know everything? Why I did it?

You really want to know?

You know how many women?

Eleven.

And why?

Why? No reason.

The first time, I was talking to this girl,

and she insulted me.

I didn't bother her or anything.

I didn't like her manners!

What does that mean?

She was arrogant and I didn't like it.

I came back with a razor blade...

I slashed her and moved on.

And like that I just continued. I'd already had a few beers...

So I did it again because I liked it.

So I slashed a third and a fourth...

I took a detour on my way back home.

It's not that I don't like females.

I've had thousands of girls in my life.

That's not the problem. That's how it is.

"How it is"?

It all started with that contemptuous first girl...

I can't stand contempt.

He wanted to become famous! - Absolutely not!

You think you become a star by mutilating women?

It was weird.

Already back then I was doing lots of stupid stuff...

Shamelessly stealing, cheating...

Nobody could ever catch me on my bike.

But you got caught! - Only 'cause I ran out of gas.

When it comes to motorbikes, I'm the best.

They all know it around here, no one can catch me.

The police car chasing me ended up crashing into a wall.

I went back just to make fun of them.

That's when they caught me.

At the station they put me in a line-up with 5 other guys.

The first victim recognised me from all sides.

That threw the cops in a frenzy.

All the crime units fought over me.

Not to mention the press!

I'm not a psychopath like they said.

The police accused me of everything.

Even before interrogating the victims,

they went overboard

and dug up my criminal record.

So you had a record? - Of course!

I still see some of those girls

at Hafsia Market.

The ones you slashed? - Yeah.

I also saw one at the beach...

She ran away when she saw me!

Do you remember? That was hilarious!

Everybody running after me...

So you can introduce me to them..

your victims?

I'm not in contact with them.

And I can't take you to see them.

They're still traumatized.

I'd still like to see them.

You just said that you knew them. - Yeah, but...

There's one that used to live close by but they moved.

Don't you have a phone number?

What's your relationship with women? Ever been in love?

Me?

I only love my mother.

God bless her.

Love only exists in fairytales.

Life is all about profit.

Love rarely happens.

What if somebody slashed your mother?

I would erase him from the face of the earth!

It's true, I would wipe him out.

I know. . .

Thanks Mom.

"A taste of my own medicine." Well, that's life.

Is this your girlfriend?

She's my new princess.

"Yesterday, a young Tunisian girl named Zohra D.

"committed suicide in Lake Tunis.

"She was 15 years old...

"and was one of the victims of the slasher

"known as the Challat.

"Preliminary investigations have shown

"a link between the slashing incident and the suicide."

This article is from 2003.

That's her grave.

Does anybody visit?

There's a woman who comes every Monday.

Do you know her?

No, but my father does.

Can he take us to see her? - Sure.

Halfa dinar.

For cleaning the tombstone? - Yes.

Sofian, do you have change? - No.

Here.

Thanks.

Before you go, can I sing a song?

But you have to take us to your father.

I know, but I want to sing.

0k, go ahead.

Welcome.

My sister Zohra was 15,

she was a bit on the heavy side and looked older.

She matured quickly.

Her breasts had become large but she was too embarrassed

to ask our father for money to buy a bra.

A shopping mall had just opened in Tunis.

He sent us out with just a few dinars

to pick something up for him.

At the lingerie store

Zohra stole a bra.

She hid it under her shirt.

She had never stolen anything before.

They caught her,

and completely humiliated her.

They called her "fatso"

in front of all the customers with their big shopping carts.

I told them to let her go, that I'd pay for the bra.

They refused,

told me to stay put,

and made Zohra go get Father.

I was home with my mom.

When my father got home from work he asked my mother where they were.

She said they hadn't come back.

He went to look for them,

and found my sister Fatiha still waiting at the store.

They told him Zohra had stolen a bra.

He paid for it and apologized.

So my father and Fatiha went looking for Zohra.

But they couldn't find her.

We all thought she ran away.

We searched for three days.

Then we learned that she committed suicide.

Three months later, my father followed her.

He died from sorrow.

So that's Zohra's story. Nothing to do with the Challat.

Where did the Challat connection come from?

No idea.

Any news? - Nothing yet.

I told you it would take about two months.

I need to move forward with my investigation.

I know, I'm doing my best.

It's not up to me.

Tell us about the game.

The game is inspired by Tunis, by its 'hoods and its brothers.

Made by me, brother Marwen Clash.

It's easy.

It's about our collective fantasies.

The people want

buns of steel!

Here you see

a pair ofjeans.

You have victims...

When God created the ass, he gave it different shapes.

Not all are created equal.

Some are truly blessed by God Almighty.

And then there are smaller targets

that require a certain

level ofskill.

And check this out...

A little surprise I threw in.

For the first time

veiled women are part of a video game in Tunisia!

So if you slash or even think of touching one of them

your score goes down.

It's about having a good time

and chilling out.

When you're pissed off, boiling on the inside,

frustrated and furious...

instead of getting drunk or snorting a line

and the resulting jail time, crying mother, that whole drama...

You just load the game and it gets you high!

So you're a Challat fan? He's your role model?

Of course I'm a fan.

Is this not the face of a Challat fan?

He's "The King"!

Admired by millions.

Do you have a girlfriend? - Why?

What's your relationship with women?

A wild donkey in heat!

I'm serious.

What do you mean?

We don't understand each other.

I'm stubborn, that's how it is.

In our religion we say

"Good men for good women".

I'd say I'm one of the good ones.

I'd say you're one of the evil ones.

Why?

You're a Challat fan, you bad-mouth women...

It's normal.

How is it normal?

It's all for show.

As you can see, that's the Challat.

And here's how it works.

It's a guy on a motorbike.

His victims dress in a provocative fashion.

He's not allowed to touch a veiled woman.

He even has to protect them.

God himself protects them.

Sorry to interrupt,

it's always good to have a religious point of view.

Indeed.

Do you think the game is good or evil?

Your game here? - Yes.

I think you're showing that people who are devout

are protected from danger thanks to God's will.

As you see, the intentions are noble.

I like that.

It means that if you wear a veil,

nothing can happen to you.

While the non-veiled face real peril.

Exactly.

Yes the non-veiled risk depravation,

being robbed, assaulted and slashed.

In the holy Koran God says: "She must cover her bosom..."

It's a command.

Her clothing must conform to the Koran.

She has to be covered.

He didn't speak of the full veil in the Koran.

If he did, he would have said: "She must cover her FACE and bosom..."

No?

The full veil is a personal choice.

It was imposed upon the wives of the Prophets.

Concerning exceptionally beautiful women,

women with the power to corrupt men,

they should cover their faces as well.

No need to make a big deal.

Some men take advantage of it.

They put on a full veil to sneak into the women's hammam

or even to enter mosques to rob women,

or touch them illicitly.

If a woman is decently dressed, no one will bother her.

She's respected.

Even rather fashionable.

That's exactly the idea I want to portray

in my music and my game:

I want to tell girls and women

to be aware

and avoid direct confrontation.

For it's said that the devil may possess a man through many means.

And the easiest means by far is through women.

"Women are the devil's chains."

If the devil can't compel you to mischief,

he'll send along a pretty girl with beautiful hair.

So you fall in love, and lose yourself in sexual dependency.

It can get violent.

How was the fight? - You're well-known around here.

It's not my thing. I'm more into computers.

They're all my buddies!

Good ol' "Mitchou"!

A warrior ram.

Let's keep in touch. I've got business to discuss with you!

Call me anytime.

Let me know and we'll get together.

Just give me some notice.

Come on up!

I'm not alone. - So what?

Send me the goods.

Ok? - Yeah, OK.

Wanna see my stash?

Check it out.

Blades, knives, the whole works.

Let me show you the basics.

What I've got,

and how I work them.

The first blade.

I call her "Messaouda".

And here's "Frifer".

Ask him what's in the bag.

What'd your cousin give you?

He gave me a Woman.

What?

Awoman.

In a bag? - Yep.

A woman in a bag.

I don't get it.

A woman in a bag.

In a bag?

You've never seen one? Everything's possible nowadays.

I'll explain later.

Let us see her. - When the boss is gone.

You want me to leave, a bit shy?

No...

Give me the camera.

You're joking, right?

What are you doing?

She's got some nerve!

Can I please film her?

You see that ugly face?

Get closer.

She doesn't look much like her picture!

30 dinars!

Will you let it go already!

Forget about me getting married! - Why not?

I'm unemployed,

I have plenty of problems as it is.

You're always nagging at me.

You want me to marry a working woman?

So she can take a lover

and make me follow her all over town?

I would lose my male dignity!

Forget it.

How would I know what she's up to?

I wouldn't trust her.

That's the way I am. I don't trust females.

I hate females.

In other words, you want someone like me?

Arare find.

They don't make 'em like you anymore.

A traditional woman?

Well, at least that's clear.

Don't worry, I'll find you one.

I heard some awful stuff about you.

Like I was a vampire?

Tell me the truth. - Which truth?

Was it really you in 2003?

It's in the past.

Both past and present interest me.

Alright. - Especially the past.

It's ancient history, a youthful mistake.

I paid my dues.

It was 10 years ago.

I've changed a lot, I'm different now.

More mature.

Do you regret what you did? - Of course.

I lost so many years of my life.

How old are you? - 28.

And you? - 23.

So young...

You're in your prime.

You seem mature for your age.

Thanks.

We just met, but I have a feeling that...

it'll work out.

Inch'Allah.

She's getting engaged today.

Congratulations!

How lucky!

Well he's coming to ask for her hand.

That's a good step.

Hello.

One minute please.

How are things?

I've come for the device.

What device?

And who are they? - They're with me.

Good morning, Ma'am.

Someone's here for the device.

With a TV crew. Itold them not to film.

Don't worry about the camera.

Go ahead, tell her. - Okay.

So? - Welcome.

So you have it? - Yes..

Then why all the fuss? - This is black market stuff.

There's a crowd outside because of the camera!

Don't worry! Who cares about those people.

Why so careful?

My job's at stake. - Yeah, but I was sent here...

Are you trying to pick a fight? - No, no.

OK, so let's calm things down. I'm working here,

we don't have a license to sell this stuff,

so it's normal to take precautions.

I've done my homework.

It's cool. - My friend bought one off you,

he's the one who sent me.

So you have the device? - Yeah.

My boss wants to meet you afterwards.

Here it is.

A true gift to society.

With this new technology, you're totally safe.

It's called a “Virgin-o-meter”.

You pull out the antenna like this. And this is On/Off.

You dip the antenna in her urine,

wait 5 minutes,

then press this button.

If it goes up to 10,

she's clean, you're okay.

Up to 10? - Yeah, 10.

If it goes to 20, she's used goods.

She's not a virgin.

If it goes to 30,

well, you've been had. She's sewn up.

What about 15 or 25?

Well at 15, let's say there's been friction down there!

With God's help, we'll be victorious!

It's the age of high-tech, right bro?

Absolutely.

You see how simple it is.

Tunisians are damn creative!

It's not about creativity, it's for the common good!

In the olden days there was blood on the wedding night sheet.

The good ol' days!

Now we're high-tech.

We're closed.

Closed.

Hello Ma'am.

They're here.

Let them in.

Please come in.

Who invented this device?

Idid.

How? - I went to Japan,

I did my research,

ended up meeting some Japanese scientists

specialised in that kind of thing.

And since all my investment money is in the USA,

where it's cheaper,

I put the Japanese in touch with the Americans.

I invested all my money in this.

I have a large stock here in Tunis.

But the problem is I don't have a license to sell them.

The government should have given me one already.

During the elections

their party organised collective weddings,

which is great,

and very much in tune with my way of thinking.

So I thought I'd get the license right away.

I'm in perfect harmony with this government's policies.

If they understood the importance of this device

they'd give me a license on the spot.

There's a Chinese product distributed in Arab countries called "Gigimo".

that has to be taken off the market.

What is it?

It's a small capsule containing

red liquid that looks like blood,

so that the bride can pretend to be a virgin on her wedding night.

It's contrary to God's will, to Tunisian principles,

our customs and those of our families.

To think that this product is distributed here

but not my Virgin-o-meter! Still no license.

It's scandalous!

With God's will, the Virgin-o-meter

will eradicate Gigimo from our country.

It's simply not good for our people!

We could even sue them.

What gives the Chinese the right to meddle in our lives?

We don't share the same origins,

habits, culture, or religion.

Vice is everywhere!

Young people want to get married but they can't...

Chemseddine wants to get married,

but can't decide on the right girl.

Now, thanks to my device...

he'll be able to choose with confidence.

Are you going to use it?

Of course!

I'm going to give it a try,

and God willing, itwon't let me down.

You're most welcome back anytime, and thanks for coming.

Done deal.

Pass me the saw.

Hold this.

Done.

Ready to go.

Hi. - Hi. How's it going?

Good.

Do they always have to follow us?

I thought we'd be alone.

So what? Let them film, they don't bother me.

Well they bother me. - How's that?

Okay, let's change the subject.

The bus was packed on the way over.

What?

I took the bus.

Drink your Coke.

Why'd you take the bus?

Another Coke.

Cabs are expensive!

I told you not to take the bus.

What do you want me to do?

See how you don't listen?

Drink up, drink up.

I don't get it.

I'm telling you,

it's for your own good.

And that way we'll get along.

Trust is everything. I hope you're trustworthy.

I hope so too.

I know what makes a successful relationship,

There's four things. - Such as?

Trust,

Sincerity,

Understanding,

and above all... Respect.

Inch'Allah.

I hope you'll respect these values.

What else?

What sort of stuff do you like?

What I like most is the soap opera “Mouhaned”.

“Mouhaned”?

He's so sensitive!

How can you watch that? I hate that stuff.

That's because you're better than him.

You're open-minded.

I can tell you're a real man.

I'm better than him? - Of course.

You don't think so?

It's only a soap.

A soap?

Too many of them!

What else?

Bless you! - Thanks.

You're the first, you know.

The first what?

My first boyfriend.

What, you're serious? - Of course.

Drink up! Are you kidding me?

Why, is it so impossible? - Yes.

Why?

Serious?

If it's not true, I'll find out.

You know what I hate most?

Lying.

Me too.

I want a girl who's sincere, and who does as she's told.

That's a must. - Of course.

But if you make up stories, it'sjust like lying.

What a joke.

Okay, let's change the subject. Time will tell.

I hope you're not messing with me.

I'm not, I promise.

Because if you are...

No, I promise. - And stop being so stubborn.

I'd do anything for you.

Do you want to get married? - Yes!

This summer?

That seems far away.

It's just around the corner...

Right? - No...

Summer is in 6 months!

That's nothing for a relationship like ours.

Our relationship will blossom and grow.

Inch'Allah.

We'll have a wedding as beautiful as you are.

Thanks.

Enough, I'm going to burst! - One more sip.

The toilet's over there.

You want to go?

Holy shit!

Unbelievable!

Time it.

Nothing's happening.

Wait!

I'm talking to you!

Listen...

What do you want? Leave me alone!

Let go!

Let me explain.

Don't touch me!

Just hear me out. - No!

CHALLAT— CLASH

Inch'Allah, success for the store! - Thanks Mom.

God bless this space.

God bless you too Marwen.

May God give you health, wealth and happiness!

Too bad we can't slash the cops.

Who's the manager here?

In this game, the hero is slashing women.

And kids are playing it!

You're training them to slash women!

"Training them"? It'sjust a screen not a blade!

Screen or no screen, you're indoctrinating them!

Now that's a good one!

This game should be made illegal for both kids and adults.

It's violence against women!

Listen,

which is a punishable crime.

Child protection agencies will come close your store.

As a courtesy I came here personally to let you know in advance.

Listen lady, your type is always dissing the little people.

What pisses you off is that Challat is Tunisian.

If it were Jackie Chan kicking ass, you'd find it cool!

The bottom line is

this business is how we make a living.

Nobody asked you to stop making money.

Why such contempt? - I wasn't talking to you!

Let me handle her!

This country has laws! Now step back!

Don't touch me!

Shut up!

She's a bitch!

Shut up and let us talk. - And what am I, a piece of shit?

Grow up and then we'll talk! - You grow up!

Hey, Jalel, stop pushing!

Calm down everyone.

Fuck you!

What's your problem? - My problem...

is that my son and other kids are playing this game.

Learning to slash women.

Well control your own kid and don't meddle with the others.

I'll meddle with whatever I want!

Are you some kind of a social worker?

Our kids' education is at stake!

You have no right to market this game....

I have every right.

You don't have the right. You have no right at all!

Unlike my friend, I'm speaking politely...

but it doesn't seem to work. So please get out of my store.

That's all I have to say.

I'm leaving, but I'll be back.

It wasn't easy to dig up this file.

It's an old case.

But here it is, as promised.

I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed...

Jalel is not the Challat.

The charges were dismissed. The judge said it wasn't him.

You might have thought it was him but it wasn't.

So there are victims,

Jalel is arrested, then he's declared innocent?

Yes, the real Challat

seems to have vanished.

The file shows that Jalel was accused, arrested,

and then officially cleared and declared innocent.

And the victims? - Eleven.

They're all here in the file

as well as their depositions.

I'm too scared to go outside anymore.

Even to the grocery store! Silly for an old woman like me.

I don't want to be filmed.

My husband and children are against it.

Tell me what happened that night.

I got home from work around 10:30pm.

I changed into a loose djellaba dress.

My nephew had a high fever

so my sister and I walked down to the pharmacy.

On our way back,

I heard a motorbike behind us.

As he went by I felt something...

I thought he was groping me.

I insulted him.

He just kept riding.

Then all ofa sudden I felt a sharp pain.

I asked my sister "what happened?"

My hand was covered in blood.

Of course my skirt...

was torn.

I still have it actually.

Each time I see it, it all comes back to me...

It was traumatizing.

I wouldn't wish that upon any woman.

I felt as if I've been attacked by the whole society!

When we got to ER,

the nurse said “Here comes the fourth one.”

I was in pain but it was reassuring

to know I wasn't the only one.

That it wasn't personal.

Just some psycho slashing everybody and anybody.

I went to the police station

where my family was already waiting for me

in complete panic mode.

The real nightmare starts with the cops.

They make you regret filing a complaint.

They were looking for a scapegoat.

They had their orders.

They showed me four guys from behind in a line-up.

I said it wasn't any of them.

They said "look again."

I said he was wearing a short-sleeved shirt.

But they insisted...

Another victim said he was wearing a white tank top.

The cops had their sights on one guy but it wasn't him.

They beat the guy up.

But I swore it wasn't him and begged them to stop.

After beating him up some more they arrested him,

but I heard they had to let him go due to lack of evidence.

Do you remember his name?

Jalel... from Ezzouhour.

His mom came to thank me for pleading his innocence.

I told her "No thanks necessary,

"if it had been your son,

"I would not only have turned him in,

"I would have personally skinned him alive."

During the line-up

the police placed seven guys in front of me

all facing the wall and all wearing a white tank top.

In the same room as me!

I looked really well.

There was one that could have been him.

But then I noticed he was the only one in handcuffs

which seemed kind of fishy.

It was obvious they were trying to influence me.

I said he kind of looked like him from behind but I wasn't sure.

It was late. They told me I could go home.

I asked them to drive me home.

So I got in the police car

and a cop sat down next to me.

All ofa sudden he started touching me!

I didn't believe it at first,

but then his hand was on my breast!

I went crazy!

My mind was racing. First the Challat and now the cop!

I realised that in the cop's mind since the Challat went after me

I must've been dressed indecently

so for him I deserved it.

Since the Challat went after me I must be "easy"

and running around half-naked.

So the cop was basically finishing the job Challat had started!

That's what I figured.

He didn't attack us because of our clothes.

I was wearing a loose djellaba.

Nothing tight or see-through.

We'll never really know what motivated him.

It appears it wasn't just one guy.

The victims all describe him differently.

Maybe there are 2 or 3 “Challats”...

Anyway, the case was covered up

and the guilty party never paid.

He's probably still lurking somewhere, or dead.

Maybe he's fighting in Syria! Who knows?

He wanted to become famous. To be the Challat must be exhilarating!

Better than a college degree!

Or becoming a doctor or lawyer...

His mother must be proud.

It's a Tunisian specialty.

Everyone has their own style of slashing.

Some use knives and some use words.

To each his own.

And it's not over.

With all these lunatics roaming around

Tunisia has great days ahead!

Talking about it makes me furious.

Women are always the targets.

Why?

It's a whole mentality,

how we're brought up,

it's ingrained in our collective mind.

That's all I can say.

I'm looking for Jalel.

Where's Jalel?

I haven't seen him for two days.

I'm really worried, I've looked everywhere.

Any ideas? - No...

Maybe he immigrated. - Illegally?

Probably. He's always wanted to leave.

I'm getting worried. - I saw the store was closed.

It was robbed! They took everything.

Robbed? - Yeah, they cleaned the place out.

He was furious and just took off.

When I came here the first time,

he told me he was the Challat.

It wasn't him.

The charges were dropped. - He lied to me!

No, he just didn't want to tell the whole truth.

The slashing continued while he was in police custody.

Why didn't you tell me?

He asked me not to.

He asked you that?

He was embarrassed.

Man/ven?

Man/ven?

Hey.

Is Jalel here? - No.

You know where he is? - No idea.

You haven't heard from him? - Nope.

Turn off the camera please.

Why?

I don't want to be in the film. Erase it.

We don't know each other, ok? - What do you mean "erase it"?

Erase everything! It's simple!

But we have an agreement.

Forget it.

I know the store was robbed.

Forget the store.

It was dirty money, blew up like smoke.

I told you he's not here!

God forgive me. Listen...

What's wrong? - Just listen.

I never want to see you again. Let's leave it at that.

And tell your friend there to go film yoghurt ads!

They've been filming me for a year,

and here I am injail.

Why? - For theft.

Let's sing a little something.

Oh mother...

My heart overflows with sorrow

Oh Jalel my brother, tell us your story

Tell us wretched souls a true tale

Let us dream! We want to be in your movie!

You had us fooled

Us, your imprisoned brothers

The wretched ones thrown in prison...

I have your file. - Which file?

The Challat file.

I know that you're not him.

So what's the big deal?

Did you do it or not? Tell me the truth!

I told you it was me... but it wasn't.

So who slashed these women?

Who did it?

Apparently someone who looks like me.

I took the fall for him.

Then people started imitating him,

being the Challat had become "in".

There was a case of two Challats on the same bike.

One even came to me for advice.

Then he slashed his own girlfriend!

In fact, there was no original Challat.

Don't you get it?

See how you went around in circles?

And now you're back in front of me. I did it.

Tell yourself that I did it.

There's a difference between telling myself you did it

and you really doing it!

Just think of me as the slasher.

That's what you want, right?

Pretend that I'm the real Challat!

And may God be with you.

In Tunisia at least eleven women were victims of the Challat(s).

There were similar cases of "Challats" in Egypt, Syria and other countries...