SELHAM - A short film by Hala Cherradi El Fadili
Words by Jameela Elfaki edited by Sunayah Arshad
Berlin-based Hala Cherradi El Fadili’s latest film focuses on the simple and powerful story of a mother’s unconditional love for her daughter. It follows Khaoula, a young Moroccan kickboxing fighter from Aït Melloul, Agadir and the strong bond she has with her mother, Mi Aicha.
Hala’s work shares and captures the extraordinary stories of artists, fighters, coaches and unique people from her motherland Morocco. As a fellow kickboxer, Hala met Khaoula through a friend at a championship celebration Mi Aicha had organised for her daughter. She fell in love with their relationship, and wanted to get them in front of the camera as soon as she could.
“I was really moved by Khaoula and Mi Aicha’s story, as I myself find it hard to get the full support of my family about my boxing goals. I found some magic in their story that I wished I could have in my own life…In Morocco, it is usually not easy for women to be accepted as professional boxers by society and family. Boxing is still perceived as a ‘tough’ sport that should be designed for men, while women are still perceived as delicate beings. However, there are more female fighters every day in Morocco which is very encouraging”
Still from SELHAM
The film is titled SELHAM after the traditional robe with a cape, which is often worn over the traditional Moroccan dress (Kaftan). In this case, it is the robe Aicha makes for Khaoula.
Aicha is by far Khaoula’s biggest supporter and wants to make sure her daughter gets the best opportunities she possibly can. On the day of each Moroccan kickboxing championship, Aicha secretly prepares a hand made boxing robe for Khaoula and presents it to her on the day of the match, so that she can walk out into the ring shining.
“This film is so important and relevant today because it shows how strong Moroccan women already are. In the film, we see how two women from two generations are both determined, loving and strong. They do not seem like they are depending on men, but that they rather support each other and believe in themselves,” Hala explains.
“I want to tell women in Morocco and around the world that we already have what it takes and what we do need is to keep on inspiring and supporting the female community every day to reveal together our true potential.”
Director - Hala Cherradi El Fadili
Director Of Photography - Darja ‘Darko’ Pilz
Editor - Hala Cherradi El Fadili, Darja ‘Darko’ Pilz
Producer - Hala Cherradi El Fadili, Darja ‘Darko’ Pilz
Colourist - Nadia Khairat
Composer - Franzisca May
Sound Designer - Connor Belshaw
Keep an eye out for more from Hala here