KHALIFA
Dirección said bentika
Maroc · 2026 · 19 min 52 s · Drama
Película presentada al OnShow International Film Festival 2026Sinopsis
### KHALIFA (خليفة) — Synopsis Khalifa is a street musician who supports his family through music. Every day, he wanders through the souks, playing for a few coins in the hope of earning enough to provide for his loved ones. But behind his melodies lies a much harsher reality: guards demand money from him just to occupy a spot, customers who are themselves struggling with poverty offer him little or nothing, while others look down on him or turn a blind eye. As the day unfolds, exhaustion, fear, and humiliation take their toll. Through Khalifa’s journey, the film reveals the daily struggles of a forgotten artist in a city that enjoys his music without recognizing his worth or respecting his dignity. Khalifa represents more than a man living in poverty. He embodies the forgotten artist whose music society hears, yet whose humanity it fails to see.
Dirección
# SAÏD BENTIKA **Moroccan Film Director, Composer, Maestro and Producer** Saïd Bentika is a Moroccan film director, composer, maestro and producer whose artistic career reflects a deep passion for cinema and music. Working at the intersection of filmmaking and musical composition, he has developed a creative approach that combines storytelling, emotion and artistic exploration. As a composer and maestro, Bentika has contributed to various Moroccan and Arab audiovisual productions, creating musical works that support the narrative and emotional dimensions of each project. His musical credits include *Jrouh* (2022), *Mal Al Donia* (2023) and *Nayda* (2023). His professional experience also encompasses collaborations on Moroccan, French and Saudi films and television series, including *Houfrat Jahanam* and *Halat Nadira*, productions associated with the Arab television landscape and the Shahid streaming platform. Alongside his musical career, Saïd Bentika continues to develop his work as a filmmaker and producer. His directorial projects include the short film *Ali Man* (2022), followed by the feature film *The Box* (2023), the documentary *Khoussifa* (2024) and the feature film *3 Minutes* (2025), a 100-minute film developed through an independent production approach. As the founder of Perfect Sound Production, Bentika develops cinematic and audiovisual projects that reflect his commitment to independent filmmaking and the growth of Moroccan film production. His creative activities also extend to music videos and other audiovisual formats. Through his multifaceted career in directing, musical composition, artistic leadership and production, Saïd Bentika pursues a diverse creative vision and contributes to the development and international visibility of Moroccan cinema.
Fotogramas
Material promocional proporcionado o expresamente autorizado por el titular de los derechos. La publicación es independiente de la selección del festival.
OnShow International Film Festival — Inaugural Edition · 2026