Trances

Trances is a captivating and ground-breaking 1981 documentary film directed by Ahmed El Maanouni. It features the life and music of the Moroccan band Nass-El Ghiwane, which included members Larbi Batma and Abderrahman Paco. The film is presented in Arabic with English subtitles and serves as a powerful commentary on culture, music and society in Morocco during the 1960s and 70s. At the junction of documentary, musical and political essay, the film manages to provide a profound glimpse into the complexity of Moroccan culture and Nass-El Ghiwane's influential role within it.

The film's story unfolds with a combination of musical performances, interviews, and personal narratives, sketching a wide-ranging portrait of the band's past and their impact on the Moroccan society. The band's role as a voice for the voiceless, their messages of social and political change, and their influence on the Moroccan music scene take centre stage in the film.

The audience is introduced to the band members with Nass-El Ghiwane rehearsing and discussing their unique blend of traditional and modern Moroccan music. Each member, Larbi Batma, Nass-El Ghiwane, and Abderrahman Paco, brings a different essence to the band but all equally embody its innovative spirit. Their powerful performances drive the narrative, along with accounts of their personal and professional experiences that are seamlessly woven into the film's storyline.

Larbi Batma, the charismatic face of the band, appears as a captivating character. His storytelling prowess and passionate singing stir up the audience. Abderrahman Paco, on the other hand, presents a contrasting yet complementing character to Batma. His quieter demeanor and thoughtful introspection provide the band's music with its unique depth and intensity.

One of the film's most striking features is the use of undiluted, raw footage that captures the band's energetic live performances. These scenes are interspersed with shots of vibrant Moroccan street life and landscapes, transporting the audience right into the heart of the country's culture.

The film doesn't shy away from political undertones. The band's songs often bear messages about social inequality, daily struggles, and the need for societal change in Morocco. The film resonates with the spirit of revolution, mirroring the revolutionary ideals that the band itself embodied.

In many ways, Trances serves as a tribute to the band's avant-garde spirit, celebrating their innovative blend of traditional Moroccan music with modern influences. By showcasing the band's relentless pursuit of a new Moroccan sound, Trances powerfully highlights the role of music as a means of cultural resistance and social commentary.

Trances also features an extended dreamlike sequence, resembling a ‘trance’, which gives the film its title. This segment features a series of stunning visuals accompanied by the band's music, producing an entrancing cinematic moment that encapsulates the powerful resonance of their music that transcends language and geographical boundaries.

Even outside the band, Trances paints a vivid picture of Moroccan society during the period, including glimpses into the trials of daily life, markets, social gatherings, and religious events. This social commentary serves to contextualize the importance and impact of Nass-El Ghiwane's music.

The film also delves into the backstory of Nass-El Ghiwane, retracing their origins and career trajectory. Through interviews and montages, we see how these musicians emerged from the working-class neighborhoods of Casablanca to become one of the most celebrated bands in Morocco. Despite their fame, they remained deeply rooted, both in their music and their commitment to social transformation.

Trances is not just an engaging documentary but an exploration of music's power to motivate and inspire. It is an intimate look into the band members' lives, the thriving Moroccan music scene, and the socio-political climate of the time. It's a testimony of the antidotal resilience of music against societal struggles, wrapped in a fascinating cinematic experience. With its insightful narrative, spectacular performances, and cultural depth, Trances is a must-watch for music lovers and fans of world cinema.