Latest news with #Chikha
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Ayoub Layoussifi and Zahoua Raji named best directors in Rotterdam for «Chikha»
Moroccan filmmakers Ayoub Layoussifi and Zahoua Raji have won the Best Director award at the 25th Arab Film Festival Rotterdam, held in the Netherlands from May 28 to June 1, for their short film Chikha, which was shot in Azemmour, Morocco. The festival honored the two directors for «the skillful direction of the actor and the masterful creation of a fully realized world that places the viewer in a revealing play of mirrors». «Very happy and proud to receive this distinction. Thanks to the jury for these words. Thank you, Rotterdam Festival. Thanks to our friends and families who supported us», Layoussifi wrote on social media Monday. Chikha (2024) tells the story of 17-year-old Fatine from Azemmour. After completing her baccalaureate exams, Fatine faces a difficult choice: to follow her family's artistic legacy, her mother is a professional chikha, a traditional Moroccan singer and dancer, or to pursue a more conventional life with her boyfriend Youssef, who disapproves of her cultural heritage. The film reflects the deep research and personal passion of its creators. Zahoua Raji, born in Brussels to Moroccan immigrant parents, brings a rich background in makeup, costume design, photography, and fine arts. Her fascination with Moroccan chikhates led her to conduct extensive interviews and research that inspired Fatine's story. Now based in Paris, Raji co-wrote Chikha alongside Ayoub Layoussifi and Yamina Zarou. Originally from Casablanca, Ayoub Layoussifi is an accomplished actor, writer, and director trained in Paris. His diverse work includes both documentary and fiction, with acclaimed films such as Tikitat-ASoulima and Dis-moi Mohammed…. Layoussifi is also deeply involved in education, teaching cinema and theater, and mentoring students in narrative filmmaking. His collaboration with Raji on Chikha showcases their shared creative vision and personal partnership, bringing an authentic and heartfelt perspective to the film's themes.
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Ayoub Layoussifi and Zahoua Raji named best directors in Rotterdam for «Chikha»
Moroccan filmmakers Ayoub Layoussifi and Zahoua Raji have won the Best Director award at the 25th Arab Film Festival Rotterdam, held in the Netherlands from May 28 to June 1, for their short film Chikha, which was shot in Azemmour, Morocco. The festival honored the two directors for «the skillful direction of the actor and the masterful creation of a fully realized world that places the viewer in a revealing play of mirrors». «Very happy and proud to receive this distinction. Thanks to the jury for these words. Thank you, Rotterdam Festival. Thanks to our friends and families who supported us», Layoussifi wrote on social media Monday. Chikha (2024) tells the story of 17-year-old Fatine from Azemmour. After completing her baccalaureate exams, Fatine faces a difficult choice: to follow her family's artistic legacy, her mother is a professional chikha, a traditional Moroccan singer and dancer, or to pursue a more conventional life with her boyfriend Youssef, who disapproves of her cultural heritage. The film reflects the deep research and personal passion of its creators. Zahoua Raji, born in Brussels to Moroccan immigrant parents, brings a rich background in makeup, costume design, photography, and fine arts. Her fascination with Moroccan chikhates led her to conduct extensive interviews and research that inspired Fatine's story. Now based in Paris, Raji co-wrote Chikha alongside Ayoub Layoussifi and Yamina Zarou. Originally from Casablanca, Ayoub Layoussifi is an accomplished actor, writer, and director trained in Paris. His diverse work includes both documentary and fiction, with acclaimed films such as Tikitat-ASoulima and Dis-moi Mohammed…. Layoussifi is also deeply involved in education, teaching cinema and theater, and mentoring students in narrative filmmaking. His collaboration with Raji on Chikha showcases their shared creative vision and personal partnership, bringing an authentic and heartfelt perspective to the film's themes.
Morocco World
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Moroccan Productions Vie for Top Awards at Malmö Arab Film Festival
Rabat – Two Moroccan films are set to compete for top honors at the 15th Malmö Arab Film Festival (MAAF) in Sweden, which will be held from April 29 to May 5. Known for showcasing Arab cinema, the festival will feature a diverse lineup of filmmakers and industry professionals. Nabil Ayouch's Everybody Loves Touda will be competing in the official feature film category, which includes 11 films. The movie tells the emotional story of Touda, a young woman with dreams of becoming a 'chikha.' Her journey takes an unexpected turn as she faces a series of challenges that alter the course of her life. The film was chosen by a committee headed by Tariq Khalami of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center, adding to the growing excitement surrounding Morocco's potential Oscar journey. Meanwhile, the short film Chikha , directed by Zahoua Raji and Ayoub Layoussifi, will be competing in the short film category alongside 10 other films. Chikha follows Fatine, a 17-year-old girl living in Azemmour with her mother, a chikha, and her grandfather. Torn between continuing her family's artistic legacy or pursuing a more conventional life, Fatine's story explores the cultural and generational tensions within the world of Aïta music. The Malmö Arab Film Festival has established itself as a key event for Arab cinema in Europe since its inception in 2011. It promotes diversity and cultural understanding through the medium of film. By connecting Nordic and Arab filmmakers, the festival fosters dialogue and collaboration. In addition to film screenings, the festival offers opportunities for networking and collaboration, with seminars, workshops, and discussions aimed at strengthening co-production and distribution within the film industry. Producers, funding bodies, and distributors will gather to explore new opportunities for future projects. Tags: Everybody Loves Touda by Nabil AyouchMalmö Arab Film Festival
