Reflecting on the Golden Cave Award Win at the Tangier Film Festival.
Winning the Golden Cave Award at the Tangier Film Festival for our short fiction film came as a complete surprise. My co-producer, Arij Al Soltan, and I had attended the festival with modest expectations, ready to appreciate the ceremony from the anonymity of the audience. The moment our film was announced as the winner, we were caught off guard—our day's weariness replaced by sheer astonishment.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the Tangier Film Festival and the jury members—Ahmed Sijilimassi, Nanako Tsukidate, Ammar Al Ibrahim, and Awat Osman Ali—for recognizing our work. This award is a tribute to the collective efforts of everyone involved in the making of our film.
The significance of this win resonates deeply with me, especially because the true story that inspired our film took place in the North of Morocco. It's where my mother began a new chapter in her life, and presenting this film to a Moroccan audience filled me with a mix of pride and nervous anticipation. As someone of mixed cultural heritage, I aimed to weave the sensory memories of my summers in Morocco into the film's fabric—the intricate details of everyday life, from the way my family prepared and shared meals to the way we gathered and slept, were central to its narrative.
Seeing my mother in the audience, sensing her nervousness transform into relief and pride as the film received applause, was indescribably comforting. The film was an homage to the mundane yet beautiful aspects of Moroccan family life, seeking to capture its essence authentically. The question from an audience member about how I, perceived as an outsider, managed to depict Moroccan life so accurately affirmed our efforts and the film's authenticity.
The astonishment of winning, especially when I hadn't prepared for it by dressing for the occasion, underscored a life lesson about unexpected victories and the value of perseverance. The moment of realization, prompted by Arij's excited announcement of our win, was a profound and humbling experience. It wasn't just a personal victory; it felt like a collective vindication for my mother's journey and struggles.
This award, beyond its prestige, represents a hope that our film can spark meaningful dialogue and shed light on the nuanced experiences of Moroccan life. It's a reminder that beauty and significance can be found in the simplest moments, and that sharing these moments can connect us in unexpectedly powerful ways.
