"The film operates cleverly leaving the viewer with an intimate appreciation of one woman's unique strength." - Kathy Sperberg, Mass Media Initiative (MMI), Canadian International Development Agency
Synopsis
Zakia Mezzour is the first and only woman driver of Morocco’s speedy white taxi, a 1970s Mercedes that is known as the “white shark” of the road. Taxi Casablanca is an intimate portrait of a modern-day pioneer forging her way in a man’s job, and is a glimpse into a fascinating Muslim society struggling with progress and old traditions. As we ride along with Zakia, we meet many of her clients and family members. In sharing their ideas, dreams and hopes, they shed light on the situation of women in Morocco and the issues that come into play: religion and cultural beliefs, poverty and education, modernization and traditionalism. Along the way, we get to know Zakia as she tries to find freedom through her life and work as a female taxi driver, challenging the status quo as she transports city locals to all corners of Casablanca.
Awards
- - 2015 World Poetry International Peace Festival - Empowered Filmmaker Award
Funders
Taxi Casablanca was generously financed by:
- TV5 Quebec
- The Canada Council for the Arts
- Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
- The Canadian International Development Agency
- The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (Quebec Council for the Arts)
- The Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund
- Le Fondation du Maire de Montreal
- National Film Board’s ACIC program
Distribution
Taxi Casablanca was broadcast on TV5 in 2009.
It screened at the following festivals:
- Calgary International Film Festival
- Rendez-Vous du cinéma québécois et francophone
- Salt Spring Film Festival
- World Poetry Peace and Human Rights Film Festival
