with The Scottish Documentary Institute and FIDADOC
February 2023 to April 2024
About Moroccan Stories
Moroccan Stories is a joint initiative between FIDADOC and the Scottish Documentary Institute, with support from the British Council through the International Collaboration Grants. The programme aims to offer a platform for emerging Moroccan filmmakers to tell personal, locally inspired stories that resonate globally. Each documentary produced under this initiative highlights unique narratives, celebrating Moroccan culture while touching on universal themes.
The filmmakers received comprehensive mentorship from seasoned professionals, guiding them through all stages of production, from pitching their ideas to the final editing process. The films debuted at the prestigious FIDADOC festival in Agadir, marking a significant achievement for these young filmmakers.
The Workshop
A workshop for the "Moroccan Stories" program was held on February 12, 2023, at the American Arts Center. This event provided an opportunity for ten filmmakers to present their projects to a panel of producers and receive feedback before selecting the top five projects for funding and production assistance.
The event began with the introduction of the ten filmmakers and their projects. Each filmmaker had a few minutes to pitch their project to the panel of producers, who then provided constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
The theme of the short films focused on sharing personal Moroccan experiences and stories that transcend geographical boundaries. Moroccan stories have a rich history and cultural significance, and when people from around the world can relate to them, it helps break down barriers and build connections between different cultures. This promotes mutual understanding and respect as people become aware of the similarities and differences between their cultures.
Filmmaker Profiles and Their Documentaries:
Safaa Bendhiba – Susanna: A moving documentary that explores the bond between the filmmaker and her mule as they navigate the challenging terrains of the High Atlas Mountains.
Omar Hazmiri – The Land: A poignant depiction of a woman’s return to her ancestral land amidst the challenges of drought.
Safae and Sanae Lahgazi Alaoui – My Hair Is the View: An exploration of changing beauty norms in Morocco through the lens of young women embracing their natural curls.
Yasmine Mahjoubi – The Mind of a Thief: A playful yet thoughtful documentary on the inner world of young thieves, using a blend of animation and live footage.
Yassine El Amiri – Smart City: A powerful look at the struggles of rag and bone collectors in Casablanca as modernisation threatens their livelihoods.
Public Screening in Rabat at Cinema Renaissance
On the evening of April 26th, 2024 Cinéma Renaissance hosted a remarkable public screening for Moroccan Stories, a series of short documentaries crafted by emerging Moroccan filmmakers. The event was an outstanding success, attracting a respectable number of attendees, including renowned filmmakers such as Alaa Akaaboune and heads of several prominent cinema schools. These documentaries, part of the Moroccan Stories programme, were a product of a collaboration between FIDADOC, the Scottish Documentary Institute, and the British Council, designed to nurture a new generation of Moroccan documentary filmmakers.
The screening was well-received, with a lively atmosphere in the cinema. A diverse audience engaged deeply with the documentaries, which sparked an insightful and organic panel discussion between the filmmakers and attendees. The panel allowed for open and meaningful conversations about the creative process, the challenges faced, and the societal impact of the stories told. The audience felt at ease, contributing to a rich dialogue with the filmmakers.
The audience was captivated by the storytelling, the emotion, and the depth of the documentaries presented. Each film brought a fresh and nuanced perspective to pressing social issues, such as environmental challenges, gender norms, and the impact of modernisation on traditional livelihoods. The filmmakers’ ability to portray these themes with sensitivity and authenticity impressed both the public and industry professionals in attendance.
Following the event, a private dinner was held to introduce the young filmmakers to established figures in the filmmaking industry, fostering valuable connections and potential collaborations for future projects.
Prospects:
The success of this screening paves the way for further collaboration between these emerging filmmakers and key figures in both the Moroccan and international film industries. With another screening that took place October 13th at the American Arts Centre—supported by the British Council, the American Arts Centre, FIDADOC, and the Scottish Documentary Institute—their work is set to reach even wider audiences. This exposure enables them to continue developing their skills and growing as impactful filmmakers and storytellers.
Acknowledgments:
We extend our sincere gratitude to Hicham Falah from FIDADOC and Noe Mendelle from the Scottish Documentary Institute for their instrumental support and mentorship. Their guidance has been key in empowering young filmmakers to bring their first documentaries to life.
Special congratulations to the filmmakers—Safaa Bendhiba, Omar Hazmiri, Safae and Sanae Lahgazi Alaoui, Yasmine Mahjoubi, and Yassine El Amiri—for their dedication and creativity in producing compelling stories that explore universal themes while reflecting Morocco's rich cultural fabric.
