Awarded at numerous international film festivals and showcased at the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM 2025), «Les Fourmis» marks the triumphant return of Yassine Fennane to the spotlight. The Moroccan director has dedicated himself to his third feature film since 2018. This year, he finally presents a social narrative, inspired by real-life experiences and focused on multiculturalism, in an era of unabashed racism. For his third feature film, director Yassine Fennane draws inspiration from a real-life scam he witnessed, crafting a fictional story set in Tangier and centered around three compelling characters. As the narrative unfolds, Félicité, a young migrant at the Melilla border, decides to settle in the northern city to earn enough money for a Christian funeral for her friend. Meanwhile, Hamid, a recruiter, exploits migrants for labor. In the city's upper echelons, young mother Kenza hires Félicité as a nanny, defying her husband's objections. Tangier, once a global crossroads, represents a tapestry of diverse identities and everyday coexistence in a world where racism is often overlooked. Premiering at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival (November 28 to December 6, 2025), this film draws its power from a humanistic narrative that avoids condescension. It paints a vivid social portrait of fragmented paths, exploring themes of violence, the quest for freedom, and emancipation as both a motivating force and a destination. Is there a personal element in the story you're telling in this new film? The inspiration for this film came from an incident I personally experienced, a scam at a cleaning agency that connects clients with housekeepers. This event laid the groundwork for the story, as I often draw inspiration from real-life experiences. I believe the most authentic storytelling comes from personal experiences. This film has already garnered attention, winning accolades at various festivals. Can you tell us about the early journey of «Les fourmis»? We shot the film two years ago in Tangier. It was produced with support from the CCM's aid fund and Dune Films, a company known for its involvement in major foreign productions. They decided to invest in local Moroccan cinema, which led to our collaboration. Like at the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM 2025), this feature has been selected for numerous festivals, including those in Durban (South Africa) and other African cities like Soweto, Kigali, Rwanda, Lagos, and Nairobi, as well as in France and London. We're thrilled to see the film resonate with audiences worldwide. After its international festival tour, I'm particularly pleased to see it screened at the FIFM, reaching its natural audience here in Morocco and Marrakech. The film also received international acclaim, with actress Nadia Kounda winning Best Actress in Brussels. How did you go about casting? I chose Nadia Kounda and Hicham Slaoui, renowned for his role in the series «Rhimou» two decades ago. I wanted to include actors from Tangier and characters like the Cameroonian nanny, Félicité, played by Marème Ndiaye, whom Nadia Kounda recommended. After watching Marème's performances in other films, I knew she was perfect for the role. I aimed to work with professional actors, and Marème has starred in award-winning films like «Le roi des ombres», «Amin», and «À plein temps», which received César awards. She's an exceptional actress, and in my film, she shares the screen with Majdouline Idrissi, Mansour Badri, and other talented actors I enjoy collaborating with.
