The film “Al-Watra” Nears Cinema Release
In the coming months, Moroccan cinemas are set to enhance their programming with a new Moroccan film titled “Al-Watra,” directed by Moroccan filmmaker and actor Driss Roukhe. This feature film was shot at the end of last year in the cities of Mohammedia and Casablanca.
“Al-Watra,” according to its director, tells the story of a folk artist named “Chaiba,” who moves from the countryside to the city with his wife and son, expecting to settle down. Instead, he finds himself living in a slum with a relative who is a drug lord, leading a life of crime at night. As events unfold, this relative exploits Chaiba’s innocence and talent, turning him into an alcoholic and ruining his life. The drug lord eventually divorces Chaiba from his wife, marries her, and takes custody of his son, plunging Chaiba’s life into misery.
Roukhe explained in an interview with Hespress that after 25 years, the story takes a dramatic turn. The drug lord becomes a devout believer, repents, and establishes charitable organizations. Meanwhile, Chaiba, now an older man, continues to work in nightclubs, with his instruments evolving into something more complex. However, his mental state remains shattered.
The director highlighted that “Al-Watra” combines music and action throughout its scenes, exploring the dark worlds of nightlife, mafias, drug lords, and other elements in a distinctly Moroccan style. The film sheds light on the brutal realities of night life, delving into the harsh consequences of drug addiction and trafficking, which ultimately lead the talented musician Chaiba to abandon his dreams after falling victim to exploitation.
Driss Roukhe also noted that viewers will witness a variety of situations and events in “Al-Watra,” following the positive and negative transformations of its characters over the years from 1997 to 2023.
Roukhe himself stars in the film, alongside Sahar Seddiki, Tarek Boukhari, Ilham Qorouy, Karim Boumalal, Cherki Sarouti, popular artist Hamid Serghini, and others.
