Cultural Resistance in Moroccan Cinema: Postcolonial Perspectives and Politics of Identity

This study examines two Moroccan films by addressing the theme of cultural resistance. The two selected films, based on their relevance to the themes under study, contribute to the preservation of national identity in the face of Western influence and postcolonial heritage. It fills a gap in postcolonial research by analyzing Moroccan films not only as a reflection of struggles and injustices, but also as active agents of cultural resistance. Drawing on postcolonial theories, we will examine how Moroccan cinema negotiates the conflicts between tradition and modernity and the continuing impact of colonial narratives on Moroccan identity. Through an in-depth analysis of Ahmed El Maânouni's Alyam Alyam (1978) and Izza Genini's Aïta (1987), this paper looks at how these films depict the complexities of Moroccan society's struggle to reconcile its heritage with contemporary realities. Moroccan filmmakers use symbolic imagery, language, and character development to challenge dominant narratives and assert a sense of national identity. One of the main objectives of this research is to highlight how Moroccan cinema not only represents cultural resistance but also helps to shape it.