Ayouch later founded “The Stars of Sidi Moumen” Cultural Center in Casablanca, which is featured in the film along with many of its students, and has touched the lives of thousands of boys and girls. The film draws inspiration from Ayouch’s experience growing up in a working-class suburb in France, where he found a creative outlet in a local community center and a way to escape his sometimes-violent surroundings. Encouraged by their new teacher, his students try to break free from the weight of restrictive traditions in order to live their passions and express themselves through the arts. In “Casablanca Beats,” a former rapper takes a job at a cultural center in an underprivileged neighborhood in Casablanca. Kino Lorber previously released Ayouch’s film “Horses of God” in 2012, which was also an Oscar submission.
It’s director Nabil Ayouch’s fifth film to be submitted by the country. The film, which is Morocco’s official submission to the 94th Academy Awards, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was warmly embraced by critics. Kino Lorber has acquired the North American rights to “ Casablanca Beats” and plans to push the film for awards consideration.
