French Tunisian actor Adam Bessa, best known for his performances in action movies like Mosul and Extraction, is all set to star in the upcoming contemporary drama film Contra.

Contra, which was previously called Before Spring, is set to be directed by Egyptian-British filmmaker Lotfy Nathan

The film is set in the aftermath of the powerful anti-government protests that provoked a wave of change in the region, known as the Arab spring. It centres on the story of Ali, a young Tunisian who makes a precarious living by selling contraband gas at the local black market, all the while dreaming for a better life. Tragedy strikes, as Ali loses his father, and now has to take charge of his two younger sisters and their impending eviction.

According to reports, the film will feature a combination of local actors and non-professionals. The principal photography of the film has started in Tunisia.

The film marks director Nathan's narrative debut. His debut feature documentary 12 O’Clock Boys was developed into a feature drama by Barry Jenkins and Sony Pictures, titled Charm City Kings.