Moroccan cinema gains momentum as six films receive prestigious Doha funding

Friday 31 January 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Moroccan cinema gains momentum as six films receive prestigious Doha funding

In a significant boost to Moroccan cinema, six diverse film projects have secured grants from the Doha Film Institute (DFI) during its Fall 2024 funding cycle. These projects are part of a broader selection of 47 films from 23 countries receiving support through this prestigious program.

The Moroccan selections showcase a rich variety of storytelling approaches, from narrative features to documentaries. Among the standout projects is Sofia Alaoui's "Tarfaia," a feature film that weaves a compelling narrative around a mysterious sleeping epidemic in a remote Moroccan town, following a doctor's quest to save her community and loved one.

Former tennis star Aravane Rézaï's story comes to life in "And Still I Rise," a documentary helmed by Djanis Bouzyani, chronicling her planned return to professional tennis after a 13-year hiatus. The film captures her complex relationship with the sport that once ranked her 14th globally.

Director Noufissa Chara's "Women of Sin" documents the inspiring work of Karima Nadir and her organization Kif Mama and Kif Baba in their ongoing efforts to advance gender equality in Morocco. The documentary is currently in its editing phase.

Two short narrative films also received funding: Youssef Michraf's "Finding Oppo," which explores a teenage confrontation over a stolen phone, and Yassine Wahrani's "When Fire Burned the Sun," depicting two individuals processing the aftermath of a factory closure through shared memories.

The final Moroccan selection, "Fatna, A Woman Called Rachid," directed by Helene Harder, delves into Morocco's national archives, offering unique perspectives from outside the Middle East and North Africa region.

DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi highlighted the institute's commitment to nurturing global cinema, noting that the grants program has supported over 850 projects from concept to completion. This initiative continues to serve as a vital platform for both emerging and established filmmakers, contributing significantly to the development of contemporary cinema.