Storyline

This edition is

in partnership

with

Storyline

until October 20, 2024

Storyline

At the heart of the world of socially engaged ​documentary cinema, an innovative project is ​emerging: Storyline. This ambitious program, ​intended for activists, journalists and film buffs, has ​the mission of supporting new writing in the field of ​documentary. Its objective? To offer comprehensive ​support, from the conception to the production of ​documentary films, while emphasizing respect for ​human rights.

Led by the filmmakers of Unicorn Production, each class will be immersed in the world of film creation.

Participants will experience each step, from writing to making videos presenting their own documentary projects. ​This unique journey will allow them to discover the artistic and technical challenges that a director faces and to ​better understand the subtleties of documentary storytelling.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. Once the writing is complete, participants will be accompanied by a team of ​professionals to create a captivating presentation video, in the form of a 3-minute short film. This short film will ​offer a glimpse into the power of their project, allowing them to reveal the essence of their vision and inspire future ​collaborators in the production of their documentary.

Storyline is more than just a training program. It is a laboratory of creativity and self-discovery, where ideas can ​blossom and voices can be heard. Participants will be encouraged to push the boundaries of their creativity, ​explore new perspectives in the documentary genre, and take artistic risks.

Beyond the technical aspect, Storyline advocates a strong social commitment. The presentation videos produced ​within this framework will highlight voices from social, religious and gender minorities, revealing stories that are ​often marginalized. Each project will constitute a valuable contribution to the fight for equality, justice and mutual ​understanding.

Through Storyline, participants will become spokespeople for an socially engaged cinema that can inspire ​empathy and change. They will shape a new generation of documentary filmmakers, ready to explore the darkest ​corners of society to reveal its raw truth.

Participants will be passionate activists, journalists seeking new perspectives, or curious film buffs. They will be ​able to apply the knowledge acquired under the guidance of a team of experts who will support them and help ​them express their artistic vision, while mastering essential technical skills.

Storyline encourages participants to explore new perspectives and take artistic risks. In this stimulating learning ​environment, they will be able to freely express their voice, identity and beliefs through documentary filmmaking. ​They will tackle sensitive topics, bring often overlooked stories to life and create a real impact on the audience.

By joining Storyline, participants will become part of a vibrant and engaged community where they can ​collaborate, exchange ideas, share experiences, and create lasting connections. They will be part of an artistic ​movement that promotes diversity, defends human rights, and raises awareness of social and political issues.

Due to the sensitivity of the projects, the filming will be done with a limited crew, promoting better immersion in ​the subject and close communication within the team. This practical experience in the field will allow participants ​to develop their technical skills and understand the filmmaking processes.

Regarding editing, each participant will benefit from personalized follow-up with a chief editor. They will have ​access to a dedicated editing station to refine their skills and collaborate effectively.

At the end of this support, participants will leave with a complete documentary file, a powerful short film, and an ​enriching field experience. The file will bring together all the information necessary for the production of an ​socially engaged documentary film, providing a solid basis for structuring their narrative. The short film, the result ​of this learning, will be a powerful overview of their project, attracting the attention of future partners and the ​public

Finally, the field experience, acquired as a team and facing concrete challenges, will strengthen their confidence ​and understanding of the documentary film production process, inspiring them for their future projects.

Anas El Hatimi

Founder & Directing Mentor

Fouad Roubaye

Writing Mentor

Mehdi LAchhab

Editing Mentor

Anas El Hatimi

Anas El Hatimi is a Casablanca-based independent documentary ​filmmaker and producer whose work spans the fields of cinema, ​communication and media. He is distinguished by his passion for ​exploring the often overlooked realities of the Maghreb, ​highlighting the voices of silent minorities and fighting against ​social inequalities.

Through his production company "Unicorn Production", Anas has ​brought to life numerous artistic projects. He has produced and ​directed documentary and fiction films. His work is a perpetual ​quest for truth, offering a unique perspective on the region.

Anas has also played a crucial role in sharing his passion for documentary filmmaking. He launched the “Storyline” ​program, with the support of the Racines Carées Incubator, an initiative dedicated to film writing for self-taught ​people. This initiative pays tribute to those who taught him the passion for documentary and inspired him, such as ​Dalila Ennadre, Izza Génini, Ahmed Maanouni, Simone Bitton and Rania Stephan.

“Storyline” is not just a writing course, it is a way to transmit the art of documentary and preserve its legacy. The ​program team believes in the power of stories to change the world, especially those that reflect cultural, social and ​political diversity.

In addition to his film work, Anas has created the Hadra Kobra Project, a platform for archiving traditional music. ​This initiative illustrates his commitment to preserving heritage, ensuring that rich musical traditions are not ​forgotten.

Through his art and educational initiatives, Anas El Hatimi aspires for new generations of filmmakers to tell ​authentic stories, and the importance of giving a voice to less heard voices.

Fouad Roubaye

For the past ten years, Fouad Roubaye has worked in the film ​industry, specializing in screenwriting thanks to the teachings of ​Răzvan Rădulescu and perfecting his skills as an assistant ​director with Samuel Girardin at ÉSAV Marrakech.

He has actively collaborated on numerous short and feature film ​scripts with filmmakers of his generation.

Additionally, he gained experience as an assistant director on ​various film projects, including contributing to Faouzi Bensaïdi's ​feature film, "Jours d'été".

These professional experiences enriched his career in the film industry.

Mehdi LAchhab

Mehdi Lachhab is a Chief Editor and Post-Production Supervisor, ​sharing his expertise between Morocco and France.

A graduate of ESAV Marrakech, Mehdi has left his mark on ​various documentary and fiction films.

Notable works include Mustapha El Atrassi's "Elle" (2020), ​FGKO's "Second souffle" (2019), Enguerrand Jouvin's "Lumière ​Noire" (2018), and Walid Messnaoui's "No Key" (2023).

As Post-Production Supervisor, Mehdi has contributed to ​renowned projects such as the Cannes Talents ADAMI collection

(2016-2018-2019), "Les étoiles Vagabondes" directed by Nekfeu and Syrine Boulanouar (2019), as well as ​"Heavy" directed by Jouri Smit (2019).

His professional career is a testament to his commitment and passion for the film industry, establishing Mehdi as a ​promising figure in the field of post-production.

1. The program is open to anyone who has never directed a feature-length documentary.

2. Participants must reside in Morocco.

3. Fluency in at least one of the following three languages is required: English, French, or Arabic.

4. Priority will be given to self-taught individuals, though students and graduates from film and audiovisual schools ​are also eligible to apply.

5. Participants are required to attend all three workshops, which will take place at the American Arts Center in ​Casablanca on the following Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

- November 2, 2024

- November 23, 2024

- December 14, 2024

The date for the final project presentation session will be announced at a later time.

6. There are no participation fees. Participants are responsible for covering their own expenses during the ​program.

All of the following elements must be included in a single PDF dossier:

1. Film Title

2. Short Synopsis (maximum of 2 pages)

3. Director's Intentions (maximum of 1 page)

4. Motivation Letter expressing the desire to participate in the program (maximum of 1 page)

5. Participant's CV including contact details and city of residence

6. Maximum of 20 Photos of the project or showcasing the project's aesthetic

7. Link to a Video up to 10 minutes long showcasing the project (if available, but not required)

Only complete applications will be processed. If anything is missing, we will contact you.

Please send your application only to the following email address: storyline.program@gmail.com

For Application

Please send your application only to the ​following address:

storyline.program@gmail.com

For Information

Our team is available to answer all your ​questions. Please feel free to contact us ​via email, phone, or WhatsApp.

Your Participation

By the end of the Storyline program, you ​will complete your writing portfolio, ​create a project presentation video, and ​present to a large audience while ​receiving a participation certificate.

Storyline

This project is managed by