Discover Top Arab Films at Marrakech’s 2024 Atlas Workshops

Atlas Workshops Overview

The Atlas Workshops will take place from December 1-5 at the Marrakech Festival. This year, notable films include:

1. “Alicante” by Lina Soualem (Algeria, France)
   A family story set in Spain. Assia tries to save her family’s new restaurant after a breakup.

2. “The Last Beast of the Atlas” by Walid Messnaoui (Morocco)
   A Western-drama featuring Boulohouch, a legendary outlaw, set in the 1990s.

3. “Lucky Girl” by Linda Lô (France)
   A semi-autobiographical tale of Lili, who grows up amid her family’s struggles and her mother’s absence.

Notable Project Highlights

• “All That’s Left of You” by Cherien Dabis (Palestine)
  A multigenerational story about a Palestinian family.

• “Once Upon a Time in Gaza” by Tarzan and Arab Nasser (Palestine)
  A revenge drama featuring the themes of loss and retribution.

• “El Sett” by Marwan Hamed (Egypt)
  A biopic about Umm Kulthum, an influential Egyptian singer.

Emerging Filmmakers

The lineup features young filmmakers from Morocco, Africa, and the Arab world, many of whom have gained recognition at major festivals or have won awards.

1. “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” by Morad Mostafa (Egypt)
   Focuses on a woman caring for her elderly parents amidst ethnic tensions.

2. “Ici Repose” by Moly Kane (Senegal, France)
   Centers on a mother’s struggle to bury her gay son in a conformist neighborhood.

3. “Behind The Palm Trees” by Meryem Benm’Barek (Morocco, France)
   A failed romance set against the backdrop of France’s colonial history in Morocco.

Upcoming Films

Several projects in development include:

• “The Orange Grove” by Murad Abu Eisheh (Canada)
  A story about a war-plagued childhood adapted from a novel.

• “Fatwa” by Mohamed El Badoui (Morocco)
  Explores themes of identity and culture.

Focus on Arab and African Cinema

Hédi Zardi, the director of Atlas Workshops, emphasizes the growing global recognition of Arab and African cinema. He aims to select innovative stories that connect with market demands and encompass various genres.

Conclusion

The Atlas Workshops showcase significant talent and diverse narratives, marking an important moment for filmmakers from the Arab world and beyond.