Isabel Ramirez
In a poverty-stricken neighbourhood in Casablanca, Nabil Ayouch co-founded a cultural centre to give local youths some freedom. At the centre, they encourage young people to discover the arts, with a focus on hip-hop and expressive dance. Ayouch observed the real-life goings-on and drew inspiration from the kids’ lives – who are playing fictionalised versions of themselves. Casablanca Beats is his attempt to shed a light on the under-represented yet talented youth of the city.
The film opens with real-life rapper, Anas (Anas Basbousi). He starts teaching at the centre and mentors a group of teens in hip-hop. For a music genre that goes hand-in-hand with speaking out, they continuously come under fire in what is a largely conservative country.
“Don’t forget this is still a Muslim country”
Rap is the outlet for many of these teens, but the real truths are spoken in their heated class debates. The script doesn’t shy away from touching on some heavy topics either. At times, it can feel like they brush over a complex issue too quickly. But perhaps this merely mirrors their real lives in that the issues are left unresolved.
One guy, Abdelilah (Abdelilah Basbousi), is rather vocal in a debate about women’s clothing. He says the girls get harassed because of what they wear: “Don’t forget this is still a Muslim country,” he contends. Initially, he comes across as harsh and sure of his convictions, but then we see his home life – one of a strict faith that he often questions – and realise his beliefs are not so clear after all. He too is facing an inner battle like everyone else.
“It’s got that essence of ‘School of Rock’”
Critics focused mainly on Anas’ character, calling his role redundant and “lacklustre”- but I disagree. A monumental character progression isn’t always necessary. Sometimes subtle changes are enough. Especially when you consider the context. Anas goes from being cold and insensitive to forming a real bond with these students. Sure, he could have been more inspiring. But his heart was in the right place, and him fighting their corner throughout is a testament to that.
It’s got that essence of ‘School of Rock’, where the disapproving parents get to see what their kids have been working on at their show. Except, instead of rejoicing with pride, many of them leave angrily. A fight breaks out when Anas tries to defend his students. This is a purposeful nod to the fact that change isn’t always so quick, and these issues are still ongoing in much of the world.
“it illustrates a real, shared experience”
The kids show that no matter where you are in the world, young people have a voice. They see things for what they are, without existing prejudice or judgement. In such a raw piece, it’s nice to have the tense moments broken up with the universal languages of music and dance. The soundtrack is full of authentic beats, including a lively bop performed throughout called ‘Drahem‘ – from dirham: the currency used in Morocco – where the kids allude to their poverty in a lighthearted way.
Hip-hop has always been about going against the grain and challenging norms and beliefs. Ayouch shows this in a modern context. For those living rather secular lives, this may all seem unfamiliar, but it illustrates a real, shared experience for much of the world’s population. That is important. So regardless of the unpolished delivery at times, this film deserves its flowers.
Featured image courtesy of Hans-Jürgen Weinhardt on Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes or alterations were made to this image.
