Recently recognized as one of Unifrance’s 10 to Watch, Sofia Alaoui, a talented filmmaker of Franco-Moroccan descent, is set to captivate audiences once again with her latest project, “Tarfaya.” Following the success of her Sundance jury prize-winning film, “Animalia,” Alaoui brings her unique vision to this slow-burn thriller that leverages the haunting beauty of Morocco’s landscapes to create an atmosphere of unease.
A Futuristic Tale Set in Tarfaya
Named after and inspired by a remote coastal town on Morocco’s Saharan border, “Tarfaya” envisions a not-too-distant future where the world experiences extreme atmospheric shifts. From scorching heatwaves to fierce storms, the film delves into the daily life of Meryam, a nurse in a secluded hospital plagued by a mysterious and destabilizing environmental crisis.
“At first, the patients become delirious, falling into delusions,” explains Alaoui. “Later, they fall into a deep sleep, as if disconnecting from the world they inhabit. The film unfolds with a wistful tone, as characters adapt to a form of impending apocalypse.”
An Intimate Journey with a Poetic Touch
While “Tarfaya” encompasses contemporary anxieties, Alaoui insists that the film is not meant to depress its viewers. Drawing inspiration from the weary romanticism of Wong Kar-wai and the dreamlike narratives of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the movie offers a poetic and melancholic perspective.
“This world brims with poetry and melancholy,” Alaoui emphasizes. “It intimately portrays an individual’s struggles within a much grander narrative – a tale that holds the fate of the world in its hands.”
A Multifaceted Filmmaker
Alaoui, serving as the writer, director, and executive producer through her banner, Jiango Films, is currently exploring potential co-production collaborations. With her recent signing with WME, the filmmaker finds herself busier than ever, working on projects such as the TV series “Let the Earth Burn” in collaboration with Paris-based Barney Production and an upcoming English-language debut that combines elements of science fiction and literature.
Unifying her various projects is Alaoui’s fascination with the unreal. “I will always have a soft spot for sci-fi,” she admits. “I even dream of creating a film set in space. Realism alone does not captivate me; I yearn to observe our world from different angles, to embark on a journey that challenges my perception of reality.”
“F5 Magazine” is thrilled to witness Sofia Alaoui’s latest cinematic endeavor, “Tarfaya.” Stay tuned to learn more about this exciting film that pushes boundaries and explores the profound impact of our environment on our lives.