Nador – The international presence of Moroccan cinema was on full display as the film “Autisto” drew a powerful emotional response from audiences at the 40th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in Florida.
Directed by Jérôme Cohen-Olivier and produced by Zhor Fassi-Fihri, the movie explores the deeply moving story of motherhood and autism.
The film is performed in Moroccan Darija and features English subtitles, bringing a uniquely Moroccan perspective to global audiences.
“Autisto” tells the moving story of Malika, a devoted mother raising her son Adam, who lives with severe autism, living a life filled with fear that she might lose her child.
A tragic event forces her to consider placing Adam in a specialized institution.Their lives take an unexpected turn with the arrival of Mahmoud, the cemetery caretaker, who develops a silent connection with Adam.
This bond made Adam experience moments of freedom, which pushed Malika to decide whether to accept it or not.
The film offered an emotional narrative rarely explored on screen, bringing a deeply human story to an international stage.
It highlighted the experiences of autistic children around the world and the unwavering devotion of their families.
The film was screened in three of the festival’s most prominent venues, bringing Moroccan storytelling to the spotlight.
Director Jérôme Cohen-Olivier and producer Zhor Fassi-Fihri represented the film at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, expressing joy and pride at how Autisto captivated the audience.
Fassi-Fihri described the evening as deeply emotional, highlighting the profound connection the story created with viewers.
The producer also paid tribute to the late Moroccan actor Ismaïl Abou El Kanater, whose role in the film left a lasting impression.
His absence was strongly felt during the American screenings, as colleagues and audiences remembered his talent and artistic presence.
“Austisto” reflects the growing visibility of Moroccan cinema abroad. Its screening in Fort Lauderdale not only introduced global audiences to a powerful Moroccan narrative but also highlighted the universal themes of compassion, resilience, and acceptance that transcend cultural boundaries.
