The landscape of film distribution in the MENA region is changing, and here's where it gets truly exciting... Mad Distribution has secured the rights to distribute Moroccan filmmaker Meryem Benm’Barek’s thought-provoking new thriller, Behind The Palm Trees, marking a significant step in showcasing bold Arab cinema to a broader audience. This film had its world premiere in the competitive section at the Marrakech Film Festival over the weekend, signaling its rising prominence.
Mad Distribution, based in Cairo and representing a diverse array of Arab talent and films, will be responsible for releasing Behind The Palm Trees across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Moreover, the film will be featured in the region’s newest theatrical platform, CineMAD, which is set to launch this December. This initiative aims to bring innovative Arab films directly to local audiences, providing an important boost for regional cinema.
Blending various genres with deep social and historical insights, this thriller dares to explore complex themes such as the lingering effects of colonialism and the intricate relationships within conservative societies. It’s a film that not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on societal boundaries and historical residues.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tangier, the story centers on a young Moroccan man portrayed by Driss Ramdi, known for his role in Escape From Raqqa. He finds himself caught in a bittersweet dilemma between two women: Nadia Kounda’s character, his loyal childhood fiancée, and Sara Giraudeau’s glamorous French giovane, whose allure begins to sway him. His fascination with her luxurious lifestyle leads him to neglect his longstanding relationship, fully aware that his choices could have serious repercussions.
The cast also features the distinguished French actress Carole Bouquet and Olivier Rabourdin, familiar from Eastern Boys. The film is a collaborative effort that brings together French, Moroccan, Belgian, and Qatari talents, produced by Tessalit Productions in Paris and Furyo Films in Orleans, in partnership with Mad Solutions. This international collaboration highlights the growing trend of cross-border productions that unite diverse artistic voices.
Screenwriter Meryem Benm’Barek co-created the screenplay with acclaimed UK-Moroccan director Fyzal Boulifa (The Damned Don’t Cry). The script also involved Emma Benestan (Facing The Beast) and Agnès Feuvre (À Mains Nues). The project benefits from the expertise of experienced producers Jean Bréhat and Emma Binet, with cinematography handled by Son Doan and editing by Christel Dewynter. The production received backing from major institutions such as the Doha Film Institute, Atlas Workshops, and the Red Sea Souk.
Adding to its credentials, Behind The Palm Trees was awarded the coveted Distribution Prize at the Red Sea Souk by MAD Solutions, which includes comprehensive distribution, sales, and marketing support valued at $50,000. This recognition underscores the film’s potential to resonate both locally and globally.
As Mad Solutions co-founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab explained, “Behind The Palm Trees reveals how love, passion, and the thrill of human connection serve as universal languages that transcend borders, ethnicities, and cultures. It’s a genuine Arab story with worldwide appeal, and we’re thrilled to bring it to audiences everywhere. Honestly, after witnessing the remarkable journey of Benm’Barek’s previous work, Sofia, we couldn’t resist collaborating with her again!”
Meryem Benm’Barek elaborated on her creative choices, sharing, “This project stems from my desire to craft an intimate thriller where romantic tensions evolve into powerful and dangerous forces. Tangier’s cityscape, rich in contrasts, provided the ideal setting for this story. Its vibrant mix of cultures and landscapes reflects the complexities I wanted to portray.”
Born in Rabat and raised across Morocco, France, and Belgium, Benm’Barek studied at Belgium’s INSAS, where she directed numerous shorts, including Jennah, which gained recognition at international festivals and was shortlisted for the 2015 Oscars. Her debut feature, Sofia (2018), earned the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes Un Certain Regard and went on to win several awards worldwide, establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary cinema.
The film’s international sales are managed by Pyramide International, based in Paris, further emphasizing the project’s global ambitions. The journey of Behind The Palm Trees exemplifies how regional stories, when told with authenticity and boldness, can resonate far beyond their borders and challenge conventional narratives— but here's the point many overlook: Can a story rooted in local traditions truly find a universal audience without diluting its essence? What do you think—do authentic regional stories have the power to transcend cultural boundaries, or do they risk losing their soul in translation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
