Bouchra is an animated feature by Moroccan artist Meriem Bennani and Israeli documentarian Orian Barki, marking their first collaboration following their Instagram series 2 Lizards. The film follows Bouchra, a queer filmmaker in New York, who embodies a jackal-headed character, reflecting Bennani’s semi-autobiographical experiences. Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, it explores themes of identity, connection, and longing, particularly highlighting Bouchra’s strained relationship with her mother, Aicha, who lives in Casablanca.
Through visually striking 3D animation created in Blender, Bouchra portrays the nuances of emotional and physical contact, emphasizing moments of touch and intimacy amidst the difficulties of long-distance relationships. The film showcases a rich tapestry of styles, melding elements reminiscent of video-game aesthetics with metatextual reflections, drawing comparisons to the works of filmmakers like Chantal Akerman and Cheryl Dunye.
The narrative captures the residue of lockdown experiences, with scenes crafted to evoke a sense of belonging and memory. Bouchra’s longing for reconciliation with her mother explores uncharted conversations about her identity and relationships, creating a deeply relatable and resonant journey. Bouchra ultimately speaks to diverse audiences—including queer communities and digital natives—through its unique, outsider art approach, aiming for understanding and connection. The film will be released in UK cinemas on August 7.
