When it comes to the film industry, Morocco isn’t just home to countless Hollywood film sets (from Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator to Game of Thrones) it’s also home to it’s own equally impressive film industry, to have been filmed there.
If you’re not already familiar, these are the best Moroccan films to get acquainted with.
Adam (2019)
Myriam Touzani’s Adam was surrounded by Oscar buzz upon its release in 2019, and for good reason. The film tells the story of Samia, a young woman who finds herself pregnant out of wedlock and is taken in by a widow in a Moroccan village.
Horses of God (2012)
Based on Moroccan writer Mahi Binebine’s novel The Stars of Sidi Moumen, Nabil Ayouch’s 2012 feature film Horses of God takes a deep look into the 2003 Casablanca bombings (a series of suicide bombings that still stand as the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s history.
Wechma (1970)
Directed and written by Hamid Benani, the 1970 film Wechma, is the perfect introduction to Moroccan cinema. The film tells the story of Messaoud, a young boy who finds himself rebelling against society and delving into a life full of crime and disappointment.
Ali Zaoua (2000)
The film tells the story of a group of street children who decide to leave their gang, leading the gang leader to seek revenge. After one of the children dies, the others band together to arrange a proper burial for their friend. Directed by Nabil Ayouch, the film delivers a poignant depiction of the struggles of street children, blending emotional depth with social commentary.
Headbang Lullaby (2017)
Looking for a Moroccan comedy to watch? Headbang Lullaby is it. The 2017 film, directed by Hicham Lasri, follows the story of a cop, Daoud, who is sent to spend a day on a bridge outside of Casablanca—the border between two hostile neighbourhoods—ahead of a visit from the Moroccan king.
Trances (1981)
You might have already heard of Morocco’s ultra-influential band, Nass El Ghiwane. Ahmed El Maanouni’s 1981 documentary Trances dives deep into their work, featuring footage from their concerts, interviews with the band members and archival footage.
Marock (2005)
Having screened at Cannes Film Festival in 2005, Marock quickly became controversial. The film was Laila Marrakchi’s first feature length film, centred around a young Muslim-Jewish couple. With Judeo-Muslim relations being a taboo subject at the time, the film made a major mark on society.
A Thousand Months (2003)
Set during the holy month of Ramadan, this Faouzi Bensaidi feature is a must-watch. The film tells the story of a woman and her son, trailing her life after her husband becomes a political prisoner—a secret that she must keep from her son.
A Thousand and One Hands (1972)
Also released in the 1970s, Souhel Ben Barka’s A Thousand and One Hands, was amongst the films that marked the beginnings of Morocco’s contemporary film industry. The film provides insight into Moroccan society and touches on themes of revenge and motivation, telling the story of Moha and his song Miloud, who run a fabric dying business, only for Moha to fall ill and unable to work and Miloud left to run the dying business.
Casanegra (2008)
Directed by Nour Eddine Lakhmari, the film tells the story of two friends, Adel and Karim, living in Casablanca. Adel struggles with unemployment and earns his living by hiring children to sell cigarettes, while Karim dreams of saving enough money to escape his difficult life with his alcoholic stepfather by emigrating abroad. The film reflects the harsh realities faced by Moroccan youth in urban centers.
Much Loved (2015)
In this bold film, director Nabil Ayouch offers a sharp and unflinching look at the lives of a group of women in Morocco who earn their living as sex workers. The film raises questions about the challenges and social stigma these women face in an unforgiving society.
Love in Casablanca (1991)
Directed by Abdelkader Lagtaâ, the film tells the story of Salwa, a young woman living in Casablanca who strives to challenge strict traditions. She finds herself caught in a complex romantic conflict between two men: an older lover and a young photographer. The film highlights the challenges women face in carving their paths within a conservative society.
Sheitan’s Angels (2007)
Directed by Ahmed Boulane, this film is based on true events that occurred in Casablanca in 2003. It recounts the story of 14 young rock musicians who were arrested and charged with “Satanism” and “destabilizing the foundations of Islam.” The film highlights the social constraints faced by youth expressing their individuality.
Burnt Hearts (2007)
Director Ahmed El Maanouni takes viewers on an emotional journey with Amin, a young architect who returns from Paris to Fez to visit his dying uncle. The visit forces Amin to confront painful memories and complex decisions, delivering a story rich in psychological and dramatic depth.
