Hind Benchekroun

Xalko

Hind Benchekroun, Sami Mermer

A small village in Turkish Anatolia slowly becomes a ghost town as families move abroad, leaving behind a group of dedicated women who keep things running, in this rare document of the hidden consequences of migratio Xalko is Director Sami Mermer’s birthplace, as he returns from his new home in Canada to reconnect with his relatives. Along with the help of Co-director Hind Benchekroun, the film is afforded an intimacy and honesty that doesn’t come easy as the women divulge the details of their private lives and frustrations. They eschew sentimentality for a grounded look at an increasingly unfamiliar way of life.

Callshop Istanbul

Hind Benchekroun, Sami Mermer

Les tortues ne meurent pas de vieillesse

Hind Benchekroun, Sami Mermer

Turtles Do Not Die of Old Age

Hind Benchekroun, Sami Mermer

This film celebrates longevity by introducing us to three colorful characters, all in their 80s, living in the North of Morocco. They share the courage and the pride of working continuously. Chehma is a former master fisherman, owner of a boat. Even though it leaks a little, he dreams of taking it back to sea. Abdesslam works as a street musician and his major objective is to arrange the marriage of his oldest son. Erradi, an innkeeper, is proud of his 30 year-old car and lives like a hermit, surrounded by an amazing collection of old clocks. Each in their own way demonstrates beautifully a strong will to live.