BACKSTAGE

Set against the captivating backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, "Moonlit Steps" follows the riveting journey of the "Without Borders" dance company as they conclude their Moroccan tour. A startling incident during their penultimate show in a mountain town spirals into a desperate quest. Aida, a central dancer and co-choreographer, inadvertently provokes her partner Hedi during a performance, resulting in a severe injury witnessed by the entire troupe. Urgent medical attention is needed, prompting an unexpected detour.

As the troupe travels to find a local doctor, a bizarre accident involving a monkey causes their bus to veer off, leaving them stranded in the wilderness under a full moon. With no immediate rescue, the dancers decide to trek through the forest to the nearest village. The film transforms into a vibrant road movie that weaves through the natural sounds and moonlit shadows of the Moroccan wilderness, revealing the personal battles, close bonds, and hidden tensions within the troupe.

Throughout the night, as they navigate both physical and emotional landscapes, each dancer confronts their own fears and desires. By dawn, the group arrives at their destination, forever changed by the journey. The dynamics within the company are irrevocably altered as they prepare for their final performance, now imbued with a newfound understanding of each other and the art they create together.

Directed by Afef Ben Mahmoud in collaboration with Khalil Benkirane, Backstage is not only a celebration of dance and artistic expression but a deep dive into the complex interrelationships that define a touring ensemble. This film beautifully captures the essence of performance both on and off stage, revealing the resilience and transformation that can arise from adversity.