The feature film “Quitte ou Double”, directed by Rachida Saadi, was previewed Tuesday evening in Casablanca, as a prelude to its release in theaters scheduled for Wednesday. The screening took place in the presence of actors, critics and personalities from various backgrounds.
This poignant film explores themes of love, deception and addiction, delving into the tragic story of a young couple, Noura and Mehdi. The work is distinguished by its realistic approach to psychological, social and economic issues, offering powerful insight into the destructive impact of addiction in modern society.
The story follows Noura, a woman secretly addicted to poker, whose choices will turn her marriage upside down. While Mehdi, her husband, faces a serious illness, Noura embezzles the money from their pharmacy to finance her addiction. This situation leads to a heartbreaking confrontation, where Mehdi decides to file for divorce, leaving Noura deeply broken.
In a statement to MAP, director Rachida Saadi expressed her emotion at the reception given to the film. “This film is above all a reflection on humans, their weaknesses, but also their ability to rise again in the face of devastation. ‘Leave or Double’ is not only a story of addiction, it is an exploration of choice, responsibility and redemption,” she stressed.
She also emphasized her goal of realistically representing the repercussions of addiction on individuals’ lives, their relationships and their environments. “I am happy to see that the film is finding resonance, both nationally and internationally,” she added.
The film’s lead actress, Farah El Fassi, who plays Noura, was delighted with the film’s international success, crowned with several prestigious awards. “The experience was incredible, especially thanks to Rachida Saâdi’s unique approach. We worked with poker professionals to make the scenes as authentic as possible,” she confided.
Youssef Arabi, who plays Mehdi, also praised the professional atmosphere on set: “The team was united and professional, which allowed us to give the best of ourselves. The topics discussed were sensitive, but the The director’s supervision made all the difference.”
“Quitte ou Double” was praised at numerous international festivals. Among her distinctions: the Grand Prize at the Guevara International Cinema Festival, in Cuba, as well as three prizes at the “Écrans Noirs” festival in Cameroon: Best Actress for Farah El Fassi, Best Screenplay, and Grand Prix “Écran d’Or” .
How did the collaborative process between the director and lead actors shape the portrayal of addiction and its impact on relationships in “Quitte ou Double”?
As the website editor of world-today-news.com, I am pleased to present this interview with two guests – the director and lead actors of the feature film “Quitte ou Double”. The film, directed by Rachida Saadi, was recently previewed in Casablanca as a prelude to its release in theaters. The screening was attended by actors, critics, and personalities from different backgrounds. The film delves into themes of love, deception, and addiction, offering a powerful insight into the destructive impact of addiction in modern society. The story revolves around a young couple, Noura and Mehdi, with Noura secretly addicted to poker, leading to a heartbreaking confrontation that ultimately results in their divorce.
Our first question is for director Rachida Saadi: Can you tell us more about your inspiration behind directing this film and what messages you hope to convey to the audience through it?
Rachida Saadi: Directing “Quitte ou Double” was a very personal journey for me. I wanted to explore the complexities of human emotions, particularly the choices we make, the consequences we face, and our ability to rise above adversity. The film is not just about addiction; it’s about love, deception, responsibility, and redemption. I hope that viewers will walk away with a deeper understanding of these themes and how they intersect in our lives.
Moving on to the lead actress, Farah El Fassi, who plays Noura. How did you prepare for this challenging role and what was it like working with the director on such a sensitive topic?
Farah El Fassi: Playing Noura was an incredible experience. I spent time with people who had gone through similar experiences and tried to understand their struggles and emotions. The director’s approach was unique, collaborative, and supportive. She allowed us to explore our characters’ nuances and vulnerabilities, which made the performances more authentic. Working on such a sensitive topic was not easy, but Rachida’s guidance made all the difference.
Our next question is for Youssef Arabi, who plays Mehdi. Your character also goes through a difficult journey in the film. How did you prepare for this role and what was it like working with Rachida and Farah?
