Morocco, known for its rich culture and cinematic contributions, has officially submitted Asmae El Moudir's remarkable film, "The Mother of All Lies," as its candidate for Best International Film at the prestigious 96th Academy Awards.

This bold move highlights Morocco's commitment to showcasing its talent on the global stage.

A Tale of Resilience: "The Mother of All Lies"

"The Mother of All Lies" is a hybrid documentary that draws its inspiration from the infamous bread riots that shook El Moudir's hometown of Casablanca in 1981.

This emotionally charged masterpiece made its world premiere at the illustrious Cannes Film Festival this year, leaving audiences and critics in awe.

The film achieved a momentous feat by clinching the coveted Cannes’ L’Oeil d’Or (Golden Eye) prize for the Best Documentary, sharing the honor with Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania's "Four Daughters," Tunisia's own entry for this year's Oscars.

A Glimpse into the Past

Asmae El Moudir, a talented director, screenwriter, and producer, meticulously crafted "The Mother of All Lies." Her dedication to her craft and her unique perspective as a Casablanca native shine through in this documentary.

Using a handmade replica of the Casablanca neighborhood where she grew up, El Moudir artfully pieces together the trauma endured by the local community during the riots—a narrative that had remained unprocessed collectively out in the open for far too long.

A Global Stage

Morocco's submission of "The Mother of All Lies" to the Best International Film category demonstrates its continued commitment to the world of cinema. The film joins two other outstanding feature documentaries: Kleber Mendonça Filho’s "Doc Pictures Of Ghosts," Brazil's official entry, and "Four Daughters" from Tunisia.

El Moudir's journey to becoming a celebrated filmmaker has been marked by dedication and talent. She honed her skills at La Fémis in Paris and holds a master's degree in production from the Superior Institute of Information and Communication in Rabat.

Her previous short documentaries have been showcased by prominent networks such as SNRT, Al Jazeera Documentary, BBC, and Al Araby TV, earning accolades at festivals worldwide. "The Mother of All Lies" is her remarkable second feature film, following the success of her debut, "The Postcard," in 2020.

A Collaborative Effort

The creation of "The Mother of All Lies" was a labor of love led by Asmae El Moudir herself, who not only directed but also wrote, produced, and edited the film.

Egypt's Marc Lotfy contributed to the project as a co-producer under the banner of his Fig Leaf Studios company. The film's international sales are handled by Vienna-based Autlook Filmsales, a testament to its global appeal.

Countdown to the Oscars

As the anticipation builds, filmmakers and audiences alike eagerly await the Academy's decision. The deadline for submissions to the Best International Feature Film category is October 2. The long list of nominees will be unveiled on December 21, with the final nominee list set to be revealed on January 23, just ahead of the grand ceremony scheduled for March 10, 2024.

Morocco's submission of Asmae El Moudir's "The Mother of All Lies" is a testament to the nation's vibrant cinematic culture and its desire to share stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. This remarkable documentary promises to captivate hearts and minds, shedding light on a chapter of history that deserves to be remembered and understood.