Obsession Hits the Big Screen: Exploring “Hawas” and the Dark Side of Fandom
Moroccan director Ibrahim Idrissi Al-Hassani is set to premiere his latest cinematic work, “Hawas” (Obsession), on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at the Megarama Cinema in Casablanca. The film, which tackles the complex theme of psychopathy fueled by social media, promises a chilling look into the dark side of fandom.
“Hawas” tells the story of Saeed, a solitary welder in his forties, haunted by a troubled past. He becomes fixated on Ibtissam, a famous singer, his obsession growing to dangerous levels thanks in part to the echo chamber of social media. This mirroring of his desires online pushes Saeed over the edge, leading him to believe that Ibtissam must be with him, leading to a terrifying act of kidnapping.
The film boasts a talented cast, including Jihan Kidari as Ibtissam and Mourad Hamimo as Saeed. They are joined by a strong ensemble including Rafik Boubaker, Mohamed Toueir Al-Janna, Amine Benjelloun, Mohcine Mohtadi, Mohamed Hemimsa, Mohamed El Alami, Khamar Lamrini, Hafsa Bourkady, Rania Mansour, Hamid Rezwani, Mohamed Toufiq El Moualem, Nabil El Mtioui, Hoda El Filali, Faycal Nejdi, Iman Idrissi, Hassna Ismaili Alaoui, Farid Bouzidi, Chaimae Bahadi, Hajer Ait Belfquih, Mohamed Nejdi, Ilham Badri, Ibrahim Benkhda, and Amine Mrabti.
“Hawas” explores a phenomenon increasingly relevant in our hyper-connected world: the potential for online platforms to exacerbate mental health issues and blur the lines between admiration and dangerous obsession. This, coupled with the film’s exploration of isolation and the yearning for connection, promises a thought-provoking and suspenseful cinematic experience.
While “Hawas” focuses on a fictional narrative, the themes it explores resonate deeply with real-world occurrences. Celebrity stalking cases, often fueled by obsessive online behavior, are unfortunately not uncommon. The film serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked obsession and the importance of mental health awareness in the digital age.
