The 11th edition of the Carthage Music Days (JMC) recently hosted a professional roundtable discussion on the craft of film composition, featuring renowned Tunisian composer, pianist, and music producer Selim Arjoun. On October 3, 2026, Arjoun emphasized the significance of film music in enhancing the artistic value of a movie, likening the composer to the "third author" of a film, alongside the screenwriter and director.
According to Arjoun, film music is a collaborative product of the director and composer, bringing an additional aesthetic and creative dimension to a movie. This dimension enables the shaping of characters' universes and strengthens their connection with the audience. With over 40 works in his portfolio, including films, documentaries, and series, Arjoun detailed the process of creating music, from conceptualization to realization, highlighting the unique sonic identity of each project.
Arjoun stressed that a film's musical identity must align with its scenario and the director's vision while preserving the composer's artistic signature. He cited notable collaborations, such as his work with director Lassâad Oueslati on the two seasons of the series "Harga" (2021 and 2022) and his recent project with director Mehdi Hmili on the series "El Matbaa," which aired during Ramadan 2026 on national television.
In discussing his approach to film music, Arjoun highlighted the importance of strategically using music in silent scenes to analyze characters' psychology. He also noted the temporal differences between film and television composition, where music is typically added after filming, and television music is created episode-by-episode.
The composer praised the crucial role of sound engineers and technicians in elevating musical creations. The JMC professional meetings continued throughout the week, featuring discussions on the future of music in the era of artificial intelligence and the challenges faced by emerging young artists.
As part of the event, participants engaged in debates focused on the intersection of music and technology. These discussions underscored the evolving landscape of the music industry and the need for innovative approaches to artistic creation.
The Carthage Music Days remain a significant platform for promoting musical talent and fostering dialogue within the industry. With a rich program of events and discussions, the 11th edition successfully highlighted the importance of collaboration and creativity in shaping the future of film music.
Key points
- Selim Arjoun emphasizes the collaborative nature of film music composition.
- The composer highlights the role of music in enhancing the aesthetic and creative value of a film.
- The 11th Carthage Music Days feature discussions on the future of music and the challenges of emerging artists.
