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Rabat – Moroccan filmmaker Hind Bensari’s new documentary “Out of School” (La Cour des Grands) has won two prizes at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
The film received the Red Sea Award and the Amiens Festival Award in the “Final Cut in Venice” category, part of the Venice Production Bridge program.
“Out of School” follows the story of 13-year-old Moqari and his 11-year-old sister Fatima as they experience their first year outside the classroom. The film captures their struggle with growing up too quickly after being forced to leave school.
Moqari takes on adult responsibilities, symbolized by the moment he exchanges his tracksuit for a suit that is far too big for him. Fatima, still holding onto her dream, hopes she can convince her parents to allow her to continue her education.
Beyond their personal story, the documentary reflects the wider reality of rural exodus. It portrays both the hope and the sadness of leaving behind village life, with its familiar rhythms and cherished memories.
Speaking to Morocco’s news agency MAP, Bensari expressed her joy at receiving the awards in Venice. She explained that “Final Cut in Venice” gives filmmakers the chance to present unfinished versions of their films to distributors, buyers, and festival programmers, and helps them secure support to complete the production and reach international audiences.
The documentary is produced by Alaa Al Jem, in co-production with Moroccan broadcaster 2M and Danish producer Vibeke Vogel. Its official release is planned for next year.
Born in Casablanca and raised in London, Bensari studied economics and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Edinburgh and the London School of Economics before turning to filmmaking.
She is self-taught in cinema and became the first African filmmaker to win the Best Documentary Award at Hot Docs, the Canadian International Documentary Festival, with her debut film “We Could Be Heroes” (2018), which also won a prize at the National Film Festival in Tangier.
This year, “Out of School” was selected alongside eight other films for the 12th edition of “Final Cut in Venice,” a program dedicated to supporting films in post-production from Africa and the Middle East.
