AL-HALQA – IN THE STORYTELLER’S CIRCLE
Price: $310.00 Code: 2401 |
Directed by Thomas Ladenburger
2010, 52 Minutes
Purchase: $310 | Classroom rental: $125
For centuries, Marrakech's historic Djemaa el-Fna square has been home to the world's greatest storytellers; their craft even recognized by UNESCO as an "Intangible Heritage of Humanity." Al-Halqa - In the Storyteller's Circle is wonderful documentary that examines this age-old tradition and considers its place in the modern world.
Abderahim El Maqori has been telling stories in Djemaa el-Fna square since he was a young man; stories that he learned from his father as a child, stories that he read in books and stories that he learned from other 'Halaiqis.' Abderahim however is growing older and he wants to make sure this great tradition does not die. So he sets out to teach his young son, Zoheir, just as his father did decades before.
The film documents the passing of this tradition from father to son. We see Abderahim teaching his son both the importance of stories and the means of holding a crowd captive. We see Zoheir's first attempts in the Halqa, or storyteller's circle, and the difficulties he faces in trying to connect with others from his generation. The film also follows Abderahim and Zoheir on a trip to Fez, Morocco's intellectual capital, where Zoheir will finally test out his skills in the large city square.
*2012 Middle East Studies Association Film Festival
2010, 52 Minutes
Purchase: $310 | Classroom rental: $125
For centuries, Marrakech's historic Djemaa el-Fna square has been home to the world's greatest storytellers; their craft even recognized by UNESCO as an "Intangible Heritage of Humanity." Al-Halqa - In the Storyteller's Circle is wonderful documentary that examines this age-old tradition and considers its place in the modern world.
Abderahim El Maqori has been telling stories in Djemaa el-Fna square since he was a young man; stories that he learned from his father as a child, stories that he read in books and stories that he learned from other 'Halaiqis.' Abderahim however is growing older and he wants to make sure this great tradition does not die. So he sets out to teach his young son, Zoheir, just as his father did decades before.
The film documents the passing of this tradition from father to son. We see Abderahim teaching his son both the importance of stories and the means of holding a crowd captive. We see Zoheir's first attempts in the Halqa, or storyteller's circle, and the difficulties he faces in trying to connect with others from his generation. The film also follows Abderahim and Zoheir on a trip to Fez, Morocco's intellectual capital, where Zoheir will finally test out his skills in the large city square.
Subjects & Collections
Festivals & Awards
* Official Selection, Amsterdam International Documentary Festival, 2010*2012 Middle East Studies Association Film Festival