The Moroccan Cinematographic Center recently published the list of films participating in the official competition for the 24th edition of the National Film Festival in Tangier. The categories include feature films, documentaries, short films, as well as films to be screened in the Panorama section.
Among the 15 feature films chosen to compete in this prestigious national festival is a whodunit film titled, “A Corpse on The Shore”,” directed by Aksel Rifman. The film will be competing for festival awards alongside 14 other feature films.
Produced by “Aras” entertainment with solely self funding, and directed and written by Aksel, the film is set in the Rif region and is performed in the local Amazigh language of the Rif. The story begins when a man’s corpse is found on the shores of Marchica lagoon. Officer Saïd, known as one of the city’s best detectives, is called to the scene. Upon his arrival, he discovers that the forensic police team and his colleague Narjiss have already begun investigating. He is informed that it appears to be an accidental death, as no evidence suggests foul play. However, Saïd’s instincts and experience lead him to suspect otherwise, especially when it is revealed that the body belongs to an architect named Badr.
Saïd starts questioning those closest to Badr, discovering that on the night before his death, Badr attended a gathering with four friends: a real estate developer, another architect, and a civil engineer. Saïd decides to interrogate each of them, as well as Badr’s wife, individually.
Each witness gives a different version of what happened that Saturday night, with all stories agreeing only that Badr left the gathering intoxicated. As the film unfolds, new clues and details emerge, gradually unraveling the mystery behind Badr’s death.
The film features a talented cast of notable actors from the Rif region. Saïd El Marssi plays the role of Officer Saïd, while Farouk Aznabet portrays Haj Hollande. Abdelouhaid Zaouki takes on the role of Badr, the architect, with Adnan Rachdi as the engineer Wael, and Tarek Assalhi playing Kamal. Chaymae El Allaoui appears as Badr’s wife, a dentist, while Mourad Mjalled portrays a police officer. Moroccan actor Ez Elarab Kaghat plays a retired officer, and Nomidia plays Badr’s personal secretary. Other prominent actors include Hoyam Lamsisi as a policewoman, Hakim Chamlal as Ali, and the experienced actresses Samira Maslouhi, Wafaa Miras, and Islam Arif in supporting roles.
The inclusion of “A Corpse on The Shore”” in the festival highlights the growing recognition of rural films and the unique cultural narratives emerging from the Rif region. The film is expected to captivate audiences with its suspenseful storyline and strong performances.
