MAROCK

Laila Marrakchi

france morocco 2005 105 min

In Casablanca, during the final year of high school, Rita, a 17-year-old from Morocco’s privileged youth, enjoys a carefree life filled with parties, friendships, music and fast cars. When she falls in love with Youri, a Jewish boy, her first romance forces her to confront the traditions of her country, the contradictions within her family and, above all, her conservative older brother, who believes that the future lies in a return to traditional values.

• About the film

  Directed by Laila Marrakchi

  Screenplay Laila Marrakchi

  Cast Morjana Alaoui Matthieu Boujenah Assaad Bouab Razika Simozrag

  Music Charles-Henri de Pierrefeu Mathieu Dugelay

  Cinematography Maxime Alexandre

  Editing Pascale Fenouillet

  Production Companies Lazennec Productions France 3 Cinéma

• Festivals & Awards

  Festival de Cannes
  2005 | Un Certain Regard — First Film
  Nomination — Un Certain Regard Award
  Nomination — Caméra d’Or

  Toronto International Film Festival
  2005 | Contemporary World Cinema
  Nomination — Best Film, Contemporary World Cinema Award

  Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur — FIFF
  2005 | Première Œuvre en Compétition

  Festival du Film de Sarlat
  2005 | Official Selection
  Audience Award — Coup de Cœur du Public

  Festival National du Film de Tanger
  2005 | Official Selection
  Press Award

  Festival International du Film de Casablanca
  2005 | Official Selection

  Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival
  2005 | Official Selection
  Nomination — Expectativa / Hors Concours

  Festival International du Film de Buenos Aires — BAFICI
  2006 | Official Selection

  Göteborg Film Festival
  2006 | Official Selection
  Nomination — International Debut Award

  Palm Springs International Film Festival
  2006 | Official Selection
  Nomination — Young Cineastes Award

  Sydney Film Festival
  2006 | Official Selection
  Nomination — Sydney Film Prize — Best Film