Defining Love: A Failed Attempt

Story

The actors Zineb and Hamza are in the Atlas mountains, preparing for the roles in a play about the saga of Isli and Tisselt. The story is of two lovers from whose tears the lakes bearing their names are supposed to have been formed. Zineb and Hamza both have failed relationships behind them. In the remote region, they meet the shepherd Mohammad, a young man full of dreams. The encounter with him and the other nomads and the intense experiencing of nature change Zineb’s and Hamza’s view of love. The film is a meditation about things in life that remain invisible and can only be felt.

Director

Hakim Belabbes (*1961) was born in Morocco, but has lived for many years in Chicago. Besides his film work, he teaches direction and production at Colombia College.

Trailer