Une Gazelle Dans Le Vent

Une Gazelle Dans Le Vent is the product of its own experience. Shot in Casablanca and Tangier in 2005, the film was directed by Oscar-nominated film-maker Mohamed Hassini who brings his unique vision to bear on a story that looks at modern-day Morocco though the microcosm of a fractured family. The traditional mother and father, the Westernised children, and the struggle each undergoes to find their own independence, love and sense of self.

Supported by a stellar cast and award-winning crew, Une Gazelle Dans Le Vent brings to the screen a sense of simplicity that belies its technical complexity. Produced by Mehdi Seqat and David Hofberg, and photographed by cinematographer Ricardo Coll the project pushes the boundaries, both technical and aesthetic, of anything ever shot in Morocco before, in its use of the latest high-definition HDV cameras to bring unprecedented subtlety and warmth to the screen as a 35mm release print.

During shooting, the production faced its own cultural challenges. Its crew was comprised of Moroccan, British and French personnel and just like the characters in the film, each crew member had to confront their own preconceptions concerning race, religion and culture, while speaking in Arabic, English and French! But just like the characters in the film, each found their own balance - and an understanding that film-makers are film-makers the world over.

Une Gazelle Dans Le Vent is, then, the product of its own experience - a reflection of challenges confronted and overcome, and the passion and faith ultimately required to embrace differences, to accept change as positive progress, and to conclude with a positive message - that we are all people, and while not always alike, are brothers under the skin, if only we will recognise that fact.