Zahoua Raji

1994, Fatine, a young girl of 17, lives with her mother, Nadia – who is a chikha (singer and dancer)- and her grandfather in Azemmour, Morrocco. She has just passed her A-levels and is torn between two opposing paths: either committing to the family’s artistic tradition, or a more risk-averse life with her boyfriend, who scorns her heritage.

Casablanca. Hassan, a 61-year-old former heroin addict, is released from prison. He tries to rebuild his life and reconcile with his family. His only son, Mansour, is preparing his engagement and wants to give his father a second chance. Hassan clings to a small job and sticks to his treatment, but his past catches up: dealers demand repayment or they will hurt his son. Cornered and desperate, Hassan considers stealing the dowry. Before giving in, he makes one last dangerous deal: delivering drugs. The job explodes in his face. Fleeing, he is saved by a young addict and hides in a squat, facing and resisting temptation. At home, his wife confronts him and asks him to hand over the dowry himself, like a father. At his son’s celebration, Hassan asks for forgiveness. Outside, while he is smoking a cigarette, the dealers catch him, beat him, and leave him bleeding in the street.

1994, Fatine, a young girl of 17, lives with her mother, Nadia – who is a chikha (singer and dancer)- and her grandfather in Azemmour, Morrocco. She has just passed her A-levels and is torn between two opposing paths: either committing to the family’s artistic tradition, or a more risk-averse life with her boyfriend, who scorns her heritage.

Casablanca. Hassan, a 61-year-old former heroin addict, is released from prison. He tries to rebuild his life and reconcile with his family. His only son, Mansour, is preparing his engagement and wants to give his father a second chance. Hassan clings to a small job and sticks to his treatment, but his past catches up: dealers demand repayment or they will hurt his son. Cornered and desperate, Hassan considers stealing the dowry. Before giving in, he makes one last dangerous deal: delivering drugs. The job explodes in his face. Fleeing, he is saved by a young addict and hides in a squat, facing and resisting temptation. At home, his wife confronts him and asks him to hand over the dowry himself, like a father. At his son’s celebration, Hassan asks for forgiveness. Outside, while he is smoking a cigarette, the dealers catch him, beat him, and leave him bleeding in the street.