Private Project

ZAID "from ugliness to beauty"

An amazing artistic journey of Rachid Zaid" recounts the captivating story of an artist from Morocco who taught himself everything. He started as a person who put metal things together and became really skilled at creating incredible sculptures from old objects, mostly metal.
But this film is not just about art. It's also the story of how Rachid became a better person, his strong feelings, and all the good things he does. I really invite you to join me in appreciating his journey that turns ordinary objects into truly beautiful things.

  • Mohammed Dabani
    Director
  • Mohammed Dabani
    Writer
  • Khadija Belkaid
    Producer
  • ADM
    Producer
  • Rachid Zaid
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Zaid de la laideur à la beauté
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Morocco
  • Country of Filming:
    Morocco
  • Language:
    Arabic, French
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Oujda
    Morocco
    November 14, 2023
    Avant Premiere
Director Biography - Mohammed Dabani

«Silence Alcohol kills» a short film 2011- UK
« Storyteller » a short film 2013 - UK
« Inssan » a documentary 2015- Morocco
« Atelier de bougie » a documentary 2016-Morocco
« Chez artiste: Aberrrahmam Zenati » a documentary 2016 -Morocco
« Les enfants du Maghreb » promo 2016-Morocco
« Rayat Bladi » a music video 2016-Morocco
« Peinture escalier » a documentary 2017-Morocco
« Al waada » a music video 2017-Morocco
« Tkharbichate" a documentary 2018- Morocco
« Salima » a short film 2018-Morocco
« Lost » a short film 2020-UK
« Fatima , A life of an activist» a documentary 2022-Belgium

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Our documentary, "ZAID: From Ugliness to Beauty," embarks on an enchanting journey into the life of Rachid Zaid, a self-taught artist hailing from Oujda, in the eastern region of Morocco. Rachid's story is a testament to the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.

Rachid's artistic odyssey began with humble origins. Starting as a craftsman who welded metal pieces together, he honed his skills and craftsmanship, ultimately mastering the art of crafting exquisite sculptures from discarded materials, predominantly metal.

This film paints a vivid portrait of how Rachid's life underwent a remarkable transformation. Initially, he ventured into the realm of paintings that not only pleased the eye but also resonated with the soul through music. Subsequently, he embarked on a quest to meticulously create intricate sculptures of musical instruments, all ingeniously fashioned from the cast-offs of others. The documentary delves into the challenges he faced, notably during the trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic, yet how his passion for art endured and evolved.

Rachid's sanctuary, his workshop, is where the alchemy of his creative ideas takes shape. He envisions not only the beauty of his art but also a more profound aspiration: to inspire fellow artists and foster a sense of responsibility towards our planet.

Beyond the realm of artistry, this film transcends into a profound exploration of Rachid's personal growth. It delves into the depth of his emotions, portraying the development of a more compassionate and empathetic human being. It showcases the positive impact he has on his community and the environment.

We extend a heartfelt invitation to join us in celebrating Rachid's remarkable journey, where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, and ugliness metamorphoses into beauty. This is an invitation to witness the transformation of ordinary objects into truly beautiful works of art.