Movies by Sharif Abdel Mawla

Sharif Abdel Mawla is a Moroccan film director whose compelling, character-driven dramas have earned him acclaim on the international festival circuit. With a keen eye for authenticity and an empathetic approach to storytelling, Abdel Mawla's films offer nuanced explorations of the human experience, often focusing on marginalized communities and the complexities of modern life. His breakout feature, 7 Moroccans and Jos (2017), is a poignant ensemble piece that interweaves the stories of a diverse group of characters navigating the changing social landscape of Casablanca. Blending humor and heartbreak, the film showcases Abdel Mawla's talent for crafting richly textured narratives that illuminate the universal truths underlying the specifics of cultural identity. This ability to find the commonalities in the unique has become a hallmark of the director's work, as evidenced in subsequent titles like the coming-of-age drama I Don't Know Where to Start (2023) and the darkly comedic Jetski (2019). With his latest release, Casting Call (2024), Abdel Mawla continues to demonstrate his versatility, crafting a layered, meta-cinematic exploration of the filmmaking process itself. By turns humorous and thought-provoking, the film delves into the power dynamics and personal struggles that shape the art of performance, cementing Abdel Mawla's reputation as a director unafraid to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of the medium.