The Healer

On the outskirts of Khouribga, a mining town exploiting phosphates, a 16-year old teenager, Abdou, is anxious to regain the gift of human dignity through learning how to read and write. His adoptive mother Mbarka, the neighborhood’s healer, protects her privileged status with ways that the laws of obscurantism allow her. Ch’Aayba, a 30-year old guy, uncontrollable and ferociously cynical, is an eccentric pickpocket. Suffering from a skin disease, Abdou convinces him to come see Mbarka in order to get treatment for it.

Directed by Mohamed Zineddaine, The Healer leans on a strong ensemble — Ahmed Moustafid, Fatima Attif, Mhedi Laaroubi — 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 drama titles of 2018.