MOLOKHIYA
An experimental animated short film delving into concepts of identity, belonging and immigration. I have directed and produced this short while I was studying at California State University Long Beach.
My interest in identity and culture inspired my short film Molokhiya, a personal story of an Egyptian woman navigating life in the diaspora. Driven by homesickness, I explored what truly defines “home” in this film’s journey.
Initially envisioned as a 2D animation, the film evolved into an experimental piece, using rotoscoping to merge realistic and abstract elements. I chose a minimalistic black-and-white palette, with the dish “Molokhiya” in color to emphasize its cultural significance. To enhance the film's emotional resonance and intimacy, I included personal footage of my mother and me, capturing the warmth of her cooking and our shared moments.
In Molokhiya, symbols of home and glimpses of nostalgic flashes express the emotions and memories that accompany this sense of separation. This film captures the disconnection from one’s home and the search for reconnection, offering a narrative I hope will resonate with those experiencing the complexities of belonging.
Caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, an Egyptian woman embarks on
a journey to reconnect with her roots.
