The feature film “Haut et Fort” (Casablanca beats), directed by Nabil Ayouch, was chosen to represent Morocco in the preselection of the Oscars 2022, in the section “Best International Film”, announced Tuesday the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM) . “Haut et Fort” (Casablanca beats) was chosen among four eligible films, and this in accordance with the criteria established by the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Cinema, underlines the CCM in a press release.
It was shortlisted by a commission chaired by Samira Himeur, representing the CMM, and counting among its members the actress Mouna Fettou, the actor and director Rachid El Ouali, the film critic Omar Benkhemmar, the director Mohamed Nesrate and the president of the Moroccan Chamber of Film Distributors Najib Benkirane, according to the same source. In this film, Ayouch immerses the viewer in the universe of a youth carried by hip-hop.
The film tells the story of Anas, a former rapper engaged in the cultural center of a popular district of Casablanca. Encouraged by their new teacher, the young people of the center will try to free themselves from the weight of certain traditions to live their passion and express themselves through hip-hop culture.
The Moroccan feature film participated in July 2021 in the official competition of the 74th edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
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