Cinematic Language: Thresholds, Characters, and Passions in Moroccan Cinema ; A Study of the Film “Deserts” by Faouzi Bensaïdi

Abstract

The feature film Déserts, directed by Moroccan filmmaker Faouzi Bensaïdi, displays powerful aesthetic qualities, both in terms of its formal structure and the thematic depth it explores. The film engages with what the director himself refers to as "conflicts between values, traditions, and humanity in the face of the brutality of the modern world." It exemplifies an avant-garde cinematic vision that elevates cinema into a space of artistic refinement while simultaneously conveying profound humanistic messages. These messages invite the viewer to perceive the world through a more nuanced and empathetic lens.

Accordingly, the filmic trajectory is reinforced by a mise-en-scène that respects the integrity of artistic creation, while also committing itself to the critical examination of social dynamics. These are effectively depicted through a carefully constructed cinematic narrative. In this regard, the film’s portrayal of both positive and negative moments reflects a broader system of social values — one that attributes meaning to objects and experiences based on collective consensus. Such a system emerges from events that either frustrate or fulfill the individual or the collective, whether on a psychological, economic, or social level. This mechanism is rendered in the film with notable clarity and precision.