La Damnée: A New Era of Moroccan Psychological Horror

The Moroccan cinema landscape is about to experience a transformation with the release of La Damnée, a psychological horror film by Abel Danan, hitting theaters nationwide on October 30, 2024. This chilling narrative dives into themes of isolation and mental health against a backdrop rich with Moroccan folklore.

A Haunting Storyline

La Damnée follows Yara, a 25-year-old Moroccan woman living in Paris who grapples with severe agoraphobia after enduring traumatic family events. Confined to her apartment for months, Yara’s life takes a terrifying turn when a mysterious apparition awakens her deepest fears, leading her into a whirlwind of madness and dread.

A Pioneering Horror Film in Morocco

Director Abel Danan blends psychological horror, fantasy, and Moroccan cultural motifs, offering audiences a fresh cinematic experience. Drawing from his roots, Danan recalls, “Growing up in Morocco, the land of my parents, I was surrounded by haunting tales told by my grandmother about witches, djinns, and village legends. These stories continue to fuel my imagination.”

Starring Talent

The film stars French-Moroccan actress Lina El Arabi as Yara, renowned for her award-winning performance in Noces and acclaimed roles in Netflix series like Philharmonia and Family Business. Alongside her is Ouidad Elma, another French-Moroccan talent, known for her international work in BBC’s The Last Post and her recent nomination for Best Actress at the 2024 National Film Festival in Tangier.

Exclusive Premiere Event

Ahead of the general release, La Damnée will have an exclusive premiere at Casablanca’s Megarama on October 28, with the cast and crew in attendance. In true horror fashion, attendees are encouraged to dress in film-inspired costumes, adding an immersive dimension to the event for fans of horror cinema.

For further information, trailers, and event updates, visit La Damnée’s social media pages on Instagram and Facebook or watch the teaser on YouTube.