Moroccan Film Returns to SIFF Main Competition After 27 Years

Moroccan director Yassine El Idrissi brought "Halima" to the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, marking Morocco's return to this section after 27 years.

The film follows Halima, an elderly woman who lives a quiet life by the sea. Her peaceful routine is disrupted by an unexpected phone call, which forces her to confront a past she has long buried.

Shifting smoothly between the present day and memories from five years earlier, the narrative gradually unveils her struggle to keep her home and her involvement in the illegal cannabis trade.

During the film's press meeting on June 16, Yassine El Idrissi revealed that his creative inspiration stemmed from his early experiences as a photojournalist.

"Before I started working in cinema many years ago, I was a photojournalist, and that allowed me to travel across Morocco and meet all kinds of people," he explained. "Among them were many individuals on the margins of society, just like our protagonist Halima."

"They are tough and resilient, bravely facing the hardships of life and fighting against their fate."

Lead actor Rabii EI Fakih subsequently shared his own reflections with the audience, describing "Halima" as a work of great social significance.

"The subject matter of this film is not common in Morocco, but I personally find it very compelling," he remarked. "It is rich in emotion and conveys a strong sense of positive energy."