‘La Mer au Loin’ Explores Exile Through a Poetic Lens

Saïd Hamich Benlarbi’s new film weaves a tale of 1990s Marseille, blending themes of migration, love, and music to craft a poignant narrative of displacement and connection.

• The film follows Nour, a young Moroccan immigrant in 1990s Marseille, navigating the challenges of life as an undocumented migrant.
• Director Saïd Hamich Benlarbi draws from personal experiences of migration to depict the long-term emotional complexities of exile.
• Set against the backdrop of Marseille’s urban landscape, the film captures fleeting joys, struggles, and the bonds formed within a tight-knit immigrant community.
• A vibrant 1990s raï soundtrack underscores the narrative, adding emotional depth and cultural resonance to the story.
• Critics have praised the film for its nuanced storytelling, compelling performances, and its ability to balance melancholic themes with moments of hope and celebration.

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