برزخ
Directed by Anouar ouardi
Morocco · 2026 · 19 min 41 sec · Drama
Submitted to OnShow International Film Festival 2026Synopsis
After leaving prison, Othman finds himself trapped in a life shaped by addiction, guilt, and unresolved family conflicts. When he receives a mysterious message telling him he has only three days left to live, reality begins to blur with a series of unsettling encounters. Forced to confront his past, his inner demons, and the people he has hurt, Othman embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, where redemption may lie in the simplest acts of humanity.
About the film
**LONG SYNOPSIS – BARZAKH** Othman, a 30-year-old man, has just been released from prison. Haunted by his past and struggling with addiction, anger, and a fractured relationship with his family, he finds himself trapped in a life he no longer seems able to control. Working as an informal driver, his already unstable existence takes another turn when his car is taken away. Shortly afterwards, he receives a mysterious message telling him that he has only three days left to live. What follows is a disorienting journey in which time, memory, and reality begin to intertwine. As events unfold, Othman encounters people and figures who force him to confront the unresolved wounds of his past. His father, whose relationship with him is marked by pain and misunderstanding; his mother, whose presence carries the weight of family bonds; and another version of himself, reflecting the inner conflict he has long tried to escape. Caught between guilt, resentment, and the fear of his own fate, Othman gradually begins to question his choices and the meaning of his existence. A seemingly insignificant encounter with a beggar, however, introduces a different perspective on life, compassion, and human responsibility. As the boundaries between reality and the extraordinary grow increasingly fragile, Othman faces a profound realization: redemption may not come from escaping his past, but from acknowledging his mistakes and finding the courage to change. *Barzakh* is a psychological and philosophical drama about addiction, family, guilt, time, and the possibility of transformation. It explores the fragile space between despair and hope, where a single act of kindness can become the beginning of a new life.
Director
Anouar Ouardi is a Moroccan filmmaker and audiovisual professional specializing in filmmaking, cinematography, video editing, and sound production. He studied audiovisual arts at EPAG (École EPAG des Arts Audiovisuels et du Graphisme), where he developed his technical and artistic approach to cinema. His work explores psychological, philosophical, and human themes, with a particular interest in storytelling, visual expression, and the complexity of human experiences. His short film *Barzakh* reflects his cinematic vision, exploring the psychological and existential struggles of an individual searching for redemption and meaning. In 2026, he received the **Grand Prize** at the **International Leonardo da Vinci Short Film Festival** for his cinematic work. Through his projects, Anouar aims to create meaningful cinematic experiences that encourage audiences to reflect on human nature and the world around them. **Date of Birth:** [03/03/2001] **Filmography:** - *Barzakh* – Short Fiction Film.
Trailer
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OnShow International Film Festival — Inaugural Edition · 2026