Summer of 1955 in Fez – a summer day in the vivacious Medina of this beautiful Moroccan city. Due to the occupying French forces, the tension is quite high. Director Abdelhaï Laraki decided to use a historical approach but tackles issues of contemporary Morocco.

11-year-old cinema lover Kamal lives in the Medina before Morocco has gained its independence. We witness his first love towards his neighbour Aïcha. With Aïcha and her fellow students, Kamal takes part in the fight for freedom and the carefree child develops into an aware teenager.

Wonderful actors, vivid camerawork and defined production design reflect the claustrophobic ambience of Fez. Laraki concludes his marvellous film with a positive message: Never give up your beliefs. Just a few months after the depicted events, Morocco gained its independence.

Niki Nikitin