"Under the Fig Trees" transports viewers to the serene expanse of a fig orchard in northwest Tunisia, where a diverse group of workers gathers at the break of dawn during a sweltering summer day. The film intricately weaves the lives of its characters, from the youthful women seizing fleeting moments of freedom under the foreman's vigilant supervision to the elder women engrossed in packing the delicate fruit, their interactions rich with camaraderie and reflection. Through their laughter, disputes, discussions, and flirtations, a vivid depiction of daily life in rural Tunisia emerges, highlighting the nuanced interplay of class, gender, and social norms that often constrain personal liberty.

Filmed with a cast of non-professional actors spanning various generations, the movie unfolds over a single day, crafting an intimate and unhurried portrayal of human connections and the natural landscape that cradles them. "Under the Fig Trees" is celebrated for its elegant and subtle narrative fabric, described by The Hollywood Reporter as an "elegant, understated tapestry of complex interactions" that engrosses the viewer in its authenticity and warmth. This cinematic piece, Tunisia's contender for the Oscars, is lauded by Variety as a "sun-dappled gem" focused on the lives of teenage girls, while The Film Verdict appreciates it as a "gently appealing choral work" that showcases director Erige Sehiri's adept storytelling and keen sense of rhythm and balance, marking an impressive debut in feature filmmaking.