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Made in Morocco – Short Films Programme
Discover the vibrant voices of Moroccan cinema at the Ajyal Film Festival. In celebration of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture, these compelling short films offer an authentic view of Moroccan life and culture.
Matters of the Mind – Short Films Programme (15+)
Embark on explorative tales of self-discovery and resilience—these acclaimed shorts reveal the nuances of identity and our collective journey toward true understanding.
In the heart of the desert, a director struggles with an uncooperative horse during a film shoot. Despite numerous attempts to film the scene, the exhausted animal cannot deliver what the crew expects.
A lone rider on a tired horse gallops through a desert landscape, but despite the director's best efforts, the horse doesn’t meet expectations on set. Several retakes later, frustrations mount, and the crew grapples with the question—what should they do with the horse? ‘Why Did You Leave the Horse Alone?’ is a contemplative exploration of decision-making in the creative process, set against the vastness of nature, where artistic challenges and practical realities collide.

Credits

Director
Faouzi Bensaïdi
Screenwriter
Faouzi Bensaïdi
Producer
Saïd Hamich Benlarbi, Sophie Penson
Cinematographer
Florian Berutti
Editor
Faouzi Bensaïdi
Sound
Patrice Mendez, Ghita Zouiten
Cast
Artur Garnica
Mohamed Hmimsa
Abdelhadi Taleb
Amine Afouzar

About the Director

Faouzi Bensaïdi
Faouzi Bensaïdi is a distinguished Moroccan director, screenwriter, and actor renowned for his multi-award-winning films that have significantly contributed to contemporary Arab cinema. His debut short film 'La Falaise' won international prizes in 1997, establishing him as a promising talent early in his career. Bensaïdi co-wrote 'Loin' with acclaimed director André Téchiné, further demonstrating