What to Watch in North Africa this February

As the Muslim world enters its preparation phase for this year's Holy Month of Ramadan, Arabs are beginning to look forward to the various Egyptianmusalsalat that will be released throughout the fasting period.

In the meantime, the region and its diaspora are binge-watching Season 2 ofMO, Palestinian comedian Mo Amer's Netflix show that sees him fighting for his right to return to the U.S. after getting stuck in Mexico and from there to Palestine. The show deserves an honorable mention for its timeliness and humor.

Here are the best Moroccan and Egyptian films this month.

‘6 Days’ (Egypt)

6 Days tells the story of childhood friends Youssef and Alia, played by Ahmed Malek and Aya Samaha, who are separated by circumstance only to reunite years later. This dialogue-driven film, marked by beautiful cinematography, explores nostalgia and self-discovery, testing a love story across time and space. It is written by Wael Hamdy and directed by Karim Shaaban, marking his debut as a director.

Where to watch: Egyptian cinemas

‘Backstage’ (Morocco/Tunisia)

When Aida, a member of a Tunisian contemporary dance troupe touring Morocco, is injured on stage during a show in a small Middle Atlas town, her husband Hedi takes her to the nearest village in search of a doctor. Meanwhile, backstage, the troupe finds itself facing an unexpected maze and underlying tensions, trying to save the decisive final show. Written by Afef Ben Mahmoud and co-directed by Mahmoud and Khalil Benkirane.

Where to watch: Moroccan cinemas

‘Novel Adel’ (Egypt)

This comedy follows Ahmad Al Fishawy, starring as Adel El Amin, a young lawyer who often acts as a false witness to implicate innocent people. His life takes an unexpected turn when he wakes up daily to find himself accused of a crime he did not commit. Transforming from a false witness to an unjustly accused victim, he seeks to prove his innocence in various ways. Directed by Ahmed Yousri, co-written by Hossam Kamal and Adham Saeed.

Where to watch: Netflix

‘Les Commandements’ (Morocco)

Moroccan actor and director Sana Akroud'sLes Commandments tackles societal issues to shed light on women's suffering in a patriarchal society. The story is structured around ten symbolic commandments dedicated to women who assume the role of a guardian. It follows Dounia, who is fighting to keep custody of her daughter against her ex-husband. With this film, Akroud hopes to contribute to public debates around reforming the family code.

Where to watch: Moroccan cinemas

‘Ahl El Kahf (People of the Cave)’ (Egypt)

This historical drama is adapted from Tawfiq Al-Hakim's classic screenplay of the same name, directed by Amr Arafa. Set in 250 AD, it tells the story of three Christian converts who wake up from a three-century-long slumber after escaping persecution by hiding in a cave. The new world, marked by corruption and war, is unfamiliar to them as they navigate questions of morality and identity.

Where to watch: Netflix

‘Routini’ (Morocco)

When housewife Nora, played by Majdouline Idrissi, begins posting her life on social media, her new role as an influencer turns her family's life upside down. Nora's husband, the brilliant lawyer Abdel Wahid, played by Aziz Dadas, is especially perturbed by this new lifestyle, which eventually lands his wife in prison. This comedy is directed by Lotfi Ait Jaoui.

Where to watch: Moroccan cinemas