Asmahane

“Asmahane” recounts the story of a Lebanese girl who fled her country after losing her family to war, to become a belly dancer in Morocco, fitting in seamlessly into the north African country’s culture. The events take place in a scary Casablanca, where the main character, a Christian Lebanese woman, forges connections with Moroccans on her way to look for a better life.

Directed by Mohammed Jennane, Asmahane leans on a strong ensemble — Oussama Bastaoui, Abdellatif Chaouqi, Wilfrid Grenier — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2023.