Aïcha (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

2025 HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

Struggling with the relationship between her and her mother, a young girl (Manal Bennani) attempts to understand how and why her mother has become so distant. Aïcha explores how emotionally trying that distance can be, and what that means for a girl just trying to navigate an already troublesome world. 

The inclusion of animation feels inorganic, and effectively steals from what fluidity exists in the film. Aïcha attempts to blend live action and animation in a way that hinders each and fractures the very foundation of the film. The film never recovers from this, and the short film becomes something of a chore to watch as a result. 

The film ultimately feels too chaotic, something of an incomplete thought that doesn’t translate incredibly well to film. Even though I was able to follow, there were moments in which I questioned if Writer-Director Sanaa El Alaoui was certain of the direction that she wanted her film to go–and it’s clear that something of a lack of conviction exists here, and that shined through for me throughout the duration of the film. Aïcha attempts to be too unique, almost trying to reinvent the wheel–and it doesn’t pay off in the long run. 

The dialogue serves no purpose in this short film, as nearly every bit of dialogue could be considered “small talk” that leads to nothing and generates absolutely no emotion. That dialogue, however, isn’t the primary focus of El Alaoui’s, as it’s the ritual performed by the mother, and a series of other individuals, that remains the focus of the film. I’ve grappled with whether or not this is a good thing, if it’s effective in helping to tell the story of Aïcha. I honestly can’t say one way or the other, but I appreciate this premise–and for me it’s effective (and I suppose that’s all that really matters). 

At the heart of Aïcha is a narrative that is heavy, challenging to digest, and incredibly honest. Unfortunately, it feels that this team struggles to find cohesion throughout. Shifting between live action and animation hinders the film’s ability to be fluid and reach viewers in a way that is truly effective. By the conclusion of the film I questioned what the point was. That’s not to say that Aïcha isn’t gravely important, but rather that the ineffective structure forcibly caused me to lose my train of thought, detaching me from the subject matter and, in turn, the film. Aïcha unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired, and while there is certainly blood pumping through the film’s veins, some of those arteries are bloated and clogged, agitating its very foundation. 

Written & Directed by Sanaa El Alaoui. 

Starring Hind Dafer, Manal Bennani, Mohamed Amine Kihal, Kenza Fridou, Mustapha Rachidi, etc. 

5.5/10 = WORTH THE RISK, BUT YOU’VE BEEN WARNED