Get ready for a thrilling cinematic experience with 'Behind The Palm Trees' - a Moroccan masterpiece that's about to take the MENA region by storm!
A Boundary-Pushing Thriller
Mad Distribution, the distribution arm of a renowned pan-Arab film company, has acquired the MENA rights to this extraordinary film. Directed by the talented Meryem Benm'Barek, 'Behind The Palm Trees' made its world premiere at the Marrakech Film Festival, leaving audiences captivated.
This film is a bold blend of genres, offering a unique perspective on social and historical issues. It fearlessly explores the aftermath of colonialism and the complexities of relationships in a conservative society. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey!
Tangier's Tale of Two Women
Set in the vibrant city of Tangier, the story follows a young Moroccan man, played by Driss Ramdi, who finds himself caught between two women. His longtime fiancé, portrayed by Nadia Kounda, and a wealthy French girl, played by Sara Giraudeau, become the focal point of his dilemma. As he gets drawn into the glamorous world of the French girl, he starts neglecting his local girlfriend, unaware of the consequences that await him.
The cast also boasts renowned French actress Carole Bouquet and Olivier Rabourdin, adding to the film's star power.
A Pan-European Collaboration
'Behind The Palm Trees' is a remarkable collaboration between France, Morocco, Belgium, and Qatar. It brings together an exceptional group of talents, including BAFTA and BIFA-nominated director Fyzal Boulifa, who co-wrote the screenplay with Benm'Barek. The film also features the writing talents of Emma Benestan and Agnès Feuvre.
The production team includes Jean Bréhat and Emma Binet, with cinematography by Son Doan and editing by Christel Dewynter. This diverse and talented crew has crafted a truly international cinematic experience.
A Universal Story with Arab Roots
The film's producers, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, describe it as an authentic Arab story with a global appeal. They believe that the themes of love, passion, and the euphoria that comes with them transcend borders and cultures. It's a story that will resonate with audiences worldwide, yet it remains deeply rooted in its Arab origins.
Director's Vision and Tangier's Charm
Director Benm'Barek reveals that her vision for the film was to create an intimate thriller where romantic tensions escalate into dangerous forces. She chose Tangier as the setting due to its contrasting nature, which provided the perfect backdrop for her story.
Born in Rabat and raised between Morocco, France, and Belgium, Benm'Barek's diverse background shines through in her work. Her previous film, 'Sofia' (2018), won the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes and continued to garner international acclaim.
A Cinematic Journey Awaits
With its intriguing storyline, stellar cast, and international appeal, 'Behind The Palm Trees' is set to make waves across the MENA region. The film's release will be overseen by Mad Distribution, who will also showcase it in their new theatrical showcase, CineMAD, starting this December.
And here's the part that might spark some debate... Is this film a bold step forward for Arab cinema, or does it merely reinforce certain stereotypes? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
