About Some Meaningless Events

In 1974, Morocco is stuck in the firm grip of an authoritarian regime. A film crew takes to the streets of the working-class district of Casablanca to carry out an unusual experiment – they ask passers-by about what they expect from Moroccan cinema. The camera peers into bustling cafés, eavesdrops on conversations, examines people’s faces. At one point, an unexpected event completely changes the optics of the film. A street survey turns into an investigation.

This innovative debut from a graduate of Łódź Film School is not just a provocation and a challenge to the authorities, but, above all, an example of cinema that is ahead of its time – a cinema that is engaged, alive and at the very centre of events. Giving voice to ordinary people, it resembles a reportage filmed with the utmost craftsmanship. The film was banned by the authorities after only one screening and, just when it seemed that the negative of the original 16 mm tape had been lost irretrievably, it was found many years later in Barcelona. Thanks to Filmoteca Catalunya, a digitally restored copy has been prepared and, since 2018, About Some Meaningless Events once again delights audiences around the world with its pioneering flair and a great soundtrack by Włodzimierz Nahorny.

Tomasz Żygo

The screening on April 11 will be followed by a meeting with director of the movie, Mostafa Derkaoui. The filmmaker will also introduce the movie on April 13.