'Back to the Roots' is a shorts program that celebrates the vibrant traditions and enduring heritage of the Maghreb. These films embark on intimate journeys through ancient customs, revealing how individuals and communities actively work to preserve their cultural identity in the face of modern change.

The program delves into the heart of timeless rituals. Echoes of Machtat follows Maram as she explores her own family’s matrimonial traditions, from the ceremonial Henna to the bewitching songs of the Machtat, highlighting the deep maternal bonds that sustain these intimate celebrations. The focus on ritual expands to language and community in The People of Tangier, which stages a boy’s circumcision as a powerful setting for a conversation between generations, exploring how a city's unique linguistic identity is shaped and carried forward.

We then meet the guardians of these traditions. Alive tells the story of a passionate Tunisian dancer, Hamza, who defies societal norms to practice and preserve the art of folk dance. His commitment is echoed in THE ROOTS, which showcases the resilience of rural women whose central role in reviving traditions and ancient harvesting methods expresses a profound strength of character and an unbreakable attachment to their land.

'Back to the Roots' is a testament to the power of heritage, celebrating the communities and individuals who, through their art, rituals, and daily lives, ensure their culture continues to flourish