France | 95 MINUTES | French, Arabic |
ZAÏNA, RIDER OF THE ATLAS
Drama, Documentary
Set in the 19th century against the breathtaking backdrop of Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Zaïna, Rider of the Atlas blends fable and adventure in a "couscous Western" that is certain to captivate both parents and kids. After the death of her mother, 11-year-old Zaïna (Aziza Nadir) doesn't know who to trust: the wealthy but dangerous overlord Omar (Simon Abkarian), who loved her mother but also caused her death, or the nomadic, horse-raising father who she has never met before. Chancing life with her real father Mustapha (Sami Bouajila), Zaïna joins his band of horsemen on a 20-day trek across the Atlas Mountains, as they take their prize thoroughbreds to compete in a famous race in Marrakech. But Omar, desperate to keep Zaïna for himself, chases the group, and he will stop at nothing to get the girl back. Full of life-or-death swordfights, a thrilling horse race, and stunning scenery, Zaïna, Rider of the Atlas is the story of a father and daughter's triumph over the odds in a fascinating fairytale world.