Traditionally, the region we call ours has hailed both Egypt and Lebanon as unanimous capitals of cinema, dictating the most popular trends for many decades throughout their respective Golden Ages. As time went by, and with the advent of globalization, neighboring nations also started developing their own audiovisual endeavors in the silver screen industry, making the entire scene, assumably richer than it ever was.
Now being able to boast just as many scenes as you have countries in the Middle East and North Africa, each country can now proudly showcase productions of their own, many of which have reached the highest spheres of the industry, collecting awards and accolades that shine a global spotlight on the remarkable talent and storytelling from our vibrant microcosmic world.
In celebration of Arab cinema, we decided to kickstart a new series where we delve into a handful of the can’t-miss titles to watch from each state from our side of the world— and there’s probably no better place to start with than the furthest Western point of our region, namely Morocco.
Below, six Moroccan movies to keep on your to watch-list for your next Netflix and chill session.
Casanegra (2008)
Director: Nour-Eddine Lakhmari
IMBD Synopsis: “Two childhood friends, Karim and Adil, prowl the streets of Casablanca, their native city. They do not do much, in fact they hustle rather than work. They are also unashamed dreamers, Karim believing in his “love story” with Nabila, a rich girl, and Adil contemplating emigrating to Sweden but never taking action. One day, the two friends go onto top gear by getting themselves into a big caper…”
Much Loved (2015)
Director: Nabil Ayouch
IMBD Synopsis: “A group of women in Morocco make a living as prostitutes in a culture that is very unforgiving toward women in that profession.”
A Love Affair in Casablanca (1991)
Director: Abdelkader Lagtaa
IMBD Synopsis: “The story takes place in Casablanca and talks about a young woman called Saloua who tries to challenge Moroccan traditions and who is caught between two men: an older lover and a young photographer.”
Trances (1981)
Director: Ahmed El Maanouni
IMBD Synopsis: “The very popular Moroccan group Nass-El Ghiwane are filmed, in performances, meetings, interviews, and collaborations with other musicians.”
Ali Zaoua: Prince of the Streets (2000)
Director: Nabil Ayouch
IMBD Synopsis: “A group of children living on the street leave their gang, prompting retribution from the gang’s leader. After one of the children dies, the rest try to come up with the resources to give their friend a proper burial.”
Les Anges de Satan (2007)
Director: Ahmed Boulane
IMBD Synopsis: “Casablanca, 2003. 14 young hard-rockers are arrested and condemned for sentences from 3 months to 1 year. What are the accusations? Satanism and shaking the foundations of Islam. Based on actual events.”
Les Cœurs brûlés (2007)
Director: Ahmed El Maanouni
IMBD Synopsis: “Amin, a young architect who lives in Paris, returns in hurry to Fès to visit his dying uncle. He has not spoken, since he left his hometown ten years ago, to the man who raised him.The visits to the hospital revive the hidden sorrows of the past. His old friend, Aziz, urges him to forget the past and any idea of revenge. Amin meets the audacious and joyful Hourya, their beginning love story soon ends. The death of his uncle does not soothe his torments and the young man must find in himself his own answers.”
