“عين الظالم نايمة، وقلب المظلوم حاضي"

The band of “Nass El Ghiwane” is not just an ordinary group, but an inspiration for generations. Their music is not something you only listen to, you actually feel it and see yourself in it. Their words are honest and close to real life, making you think and feel deeply.
What makes them even more special is that They believed music could influence people and change reality.

A powerful documentary that lets their music speak for itself and capturing their raw energy, social message, and emotional impact without needing commentary or explanation.

“عين الظالم نايمة، وقلب المظلوم حاضي"

The band of “Nass El Ghiwane” is not just an ordinary group, but an inspiration for generations. Their music is not something you only listen to, you actually feel it and see yourself in it. Their words are honest and close to real life, making you think and feel deeply.
What makes them even more special is that They believed music could influence people and change reality.

A powerful documentary that lets their music speak for itself and capturing their raw energy, social message, and emotional impact without needing commentary or explanation.

didn’t expect myself to be fangirling over Nass El Ghiwane, but here we are also i genuinely thought they spoke in like straight up poetry, so hearing them speak darija b7alna had me giggling the whole time they’re so funny too ughh love them all but i am claiming Larbi Batma as my bias tbh lowkey wish there were edits of them to Lana del rey music

didn’t expect myself to be fangirling over Nass El Ghiwane, but here we are also i genuinely thought they spoke in like straight up poetry, so hearing them speak darija b7alna had me giggling the whole time they’re so funny too ughh love them all but i am claiming Larbi Batma as my bias tbh lowkey wish there were edits of them to Lana del rey music

Criterion Challenge 20249. Criterion Staff PicksTrances, directed by Ahmed El Maânouni, 1981

Following the band/theatre group Nass El Ghiwane, this documentary provides insight not just to its members, but the culture and movements that influenced them. Known for their politically provocative lyrics and their blend of traditional styles. Delving into the histories of their own areas, Nass El Ghiwane found a sound unique to their own that still reflects where they came from.

Trances, by extension, is part concert film part documentary. Opening with one such concert, it is roughly about twenty minutes before a single interview portion of film is actually conducted. The live audience reactions to their music is something to behold, with people feeling a connection and an anchor to their culture in a more modern world. Trances does a lot to explore the nature between art, individual, and community

Criterion Challenge 20249. Criterion Staff PicksTrances, directed by Ahmed El Maânouni, 1981

Following the band/theatre group Nass El Ghiwane, this documentary provides insight not just to its members, but the culture and movements that influenced them. Known for their politically provocative lyrics and their blend of traditional styles. Delving into the histories of their own areas, Nass El Ghiwane found a sound unique to their own that still reflects where they came from.

Trances, by extension, is part concert film part documentary. Opening with one such concert, it is roughly about twenty minutes before a single interview portion of film is actually conducted. The live audience reactions to their music is something to behold, with people feeling a connection and an anchor to their culture in a more modern world. Trances does a lot to explore the nature between art, individual, and community

نَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

نَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

Criterion Challenge 2023

8. Black Music Films


Seemed like a pretty run of the mile music documentary, did bring some interesting and fun moments but not anything that seemed over the top. For fans of this music it probably is much more enjoyable but for someone who isn’t familiar at all, it was fine.

Criterion Challenge 2023

8. Black Music Films


Seemed like a pretty run of the mile music documentary, did bring some interesting and fun moments but not anything that seemed over the top. For fans of this music it probably is much more enjoyable but for someone who isn’t familiar at all, it was fine.