Latif Lahlou
Directing
Biography
Latif Lahlou is a distinguished Moroccan film director, producer, and screenwriter, recognized for his significant contributions to Moroccan cinema. Born in El Jadida, he pursued his passion for filmmaking by obtaining a diploma from the Institut des Hautes Études Cinématographiques (IDHEC) in Paris in 1959. Furthering his education, he studied sociology at the Sorbonne, which influenced the thematic depth of his films. Lahlou began his career with sociological research and media studies in Moroccan rural areas from 1960 to 1965. He then transitioned to television, presenting dramatic programs and directing documentaries. In 1969, he made his feature film debut with The Spring Sun, marking the beginning of a prolific career. His notable works include Samira's Garden (2007) and The Big Villa (2010), which have been acclaimed for their insightful portrayal of Moroccan society. Beyond filmmaking, Lahlou has been instrumental in the development of Moroccan cinema, serving as the president of the Association of Authors, Producers, and Directors, and co-founding the Tangier Film Library.
Known For
From his offices in Switzerland, Russian Igor Lipovsky is engaged in a vast and profitable gunrunning operation with Africa. The French government wants to hinder the activities of the arms dealer and sends a team to sink one of his ships heading for Angola with a load of illegal weaponry. Lisa, Brisseau, Loïc, Tony and Raymond are professionals: they carefully set up their cover, plan all their moves meticulously, and carry out orders without asking questions. Perhaps they should. The code-name of the mission is "Janus"; and just like with the ancient deity, there are two opposite faces for every aspect of the operation: the objective of the French government, the role of each team member, the presumed friend and the assumed foe...
Secret Agents
Evan Bonner is a deserter from the Vietnam war; he is on his way back to America to give himself up when he meets Deirdre McCluskey, a beautiful if petulant model. The two make an unlikely couple, but once in France the magic of Paris works its charm and these two vulnerable people finally find each other.
Two People
During a reception organized on the occasion of Ghita's 44th anniversary, friends and family members of Said and Ghita will be confronted with unexpected events serious enough to provoke disturbing reactions, starting points of questioning the little material and emotional comforts by which all this little world was surrounded.
The Birthday
The story of a young man of peasant origin, a minor official in Casablanca, which can not adapt to life in the big city.
Soleil de Printemps
Jean-Pierre (Jacques Villeret), un attaché humanitaire qui travaille au ministère des Affaires Etrangères, accepte de reconduire un jeune clandestin (Lorant Deutsch) dans son pays d'origine. Celui-ci appartient à la tribu des Hommes Gris d'Irghiz, réfugiés depuis la préhistoire dans une cité interdite du Haut Atlas.
One Way Ticket
A Franco-Moroccan couple leaves France to settle in Morocco and faces the eyes of others. The large villa is a poignant drama that highlights cultural differences between France and Morocco and offers a beautiful lesson in tolerance.
La grande villa
Latif Lalouh's drama Samira's Garden concerns a woman who begins a forbidden sexual affair with her husband's nephew after her husband becomes impotent. Lalouh's award winning script shows how Arabic Muslim culture often acts at the expense of people's personal freedoms.
Samira's Garden
Maité goes to the city of Laayoune where Dahmane is waiting for het to produce a documentary program about the Moroccan Sahara. the reality she discovers there does not match at all what she could have figured out....
Frontiers
a relationship is tested in the midst of workers' strike.
The Compromise
In the Gnawa tradition, the authentic Maâlem is the one who crafts his own musical instrument. Here, the Gnawa Maâlem Essaddiq has damaged his sintir and must create a new one using the traditional process. For him, it's impossible to play an instrument made by someone else...