In parallel, Afef started directing shorts while having devoted herself, from an early age, to an artistic career as a dancer and actress. She held lead roles under prominent Tunisian directors, including Nouri Bouzid’s ‘Making Of’ and ‘The Scarecrows’, and lately in ‘Streams’ by Mehdi Hmili, receiving awards for Best Actress at the Cairo International Film Festival in 2021. She also created Mésanges Films and produced ‘The Scarecrows’ (Venice 2019, Sconfini Section, Human Rights Award), then co-produced and co-directed with Khalil Benkirane her first feature, ‘Backstage’ (Venice 2023, Competition Giornate degli Autori, Cinema & Arts Award).