This special screening features two acclaimed short films by Moroccan-French director Sofia El Khayari, whose work is celebrated for its soft, expressive animation and emotionally resonant storytelling. With a focus on memory, identity, and womanhood, El Khayari crafts deeply personal narratives that transcend borders.
Shadow of the Butterflies offers a poetic reflection on fleeting desire and the delicate nature of longing, using a dreamlike visual style to evoke atmosphere and introspection. Officially selected at Cannes 2022, the film invites viewers into a quiet, meditative space shaped by mood and movement.
In Ayam, El Khayari brings together three generations of Moroccan women in an intimate animated conversation. Through gentle visuals and heartfelt dialogue, the film explores cultural memory, personal growth, and the evolving role of women across time—offering a powerful, tender look at identity and legacy.