Oxville Open Air: Casablanca Beats

Anas, a former rapper, finds a new job at the arts centre of the Sidi Moumen district of Casablanca. One of the first things he does is embellish the classroom wall with spray paint. Frankly, the centre's director is not amused, though all Anas wanted was to prepare his students for his hip-hop and rapping lessons. They are invited to give it a try, but none of them manages to impress Anas much. He tries to explain that rap is not just chanting some rhyming lines, but rather should address everyday life concerns. Actually, there are plenty of things they could rap about.

With his film, written by himself, French-Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch wanted to give voice to young people. He has certainly managed to do so in this story brimming with infectious energy, in which he clearly conveys the challenges Moroccan teens are facing in this day and age.