Omrane, 40, former domestic, feels liberated when he sets up a modest housekeeping business. He transports “maids of all work” in his delivery van from his native village – renowned for the women’s know-how in the arts of Berber pottery – to the nouveau riche families recently settled in the posh part of town.
He vouches for the women’s safety and for their salaries to their parents.
Rebeh, rebellious and beautiful, is his most exuberant employee. Although submerged by harsh housework, she gets caught on the breeze of freedom and the joys of life and takes off.
She remains on Omrane’s conscience and he sets out to look for her in the city. He’s accompanied by Fedah, 9, one of his new girls who’s yet to find a job. The little girl discovers the city, modeling dolls from the lump of clay that she has brought along with her. Once they’re finished, she squashes them flat.