Those Who Watch Over

Documentary, director: Karima Saïdi, Qatar/Belgium/France, 2025, 89 min, Arabic, French, Farsi, Greek, Turkish, Italian, with EN st.

Death unites everyone: tears, laughter, confessions, and an endless stream of memories and love. We witness all of this alongside the visitors to a cemetery that brings together believers of different faiths in a suburb of Brussels, Belgium.

The lens of Belgian director of Moroccan origin, Karima Saïdi, is present amidst these visitors with profound sensitivity, giving them the time and space to connect with their departed loved ones. It also allows us, the viewers, a space to breathe and to reflect on the relationships between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish families, their loss, faith, and longing.

The film participated in the International Competition at IDFA Film Festival, the Documentary Competition at El Gouna Film Festival, and Marrakech International Film Festival. (HF)