Moroccan Artist Meriem Bennani to Be Highlighted at Visions du Réel

Bennani's hybrid documentary 'Bouchra' to screen at the Swiss film festival

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Documentary festival Visions du Réel in Nyon, Switzerland will feature the work of Moroccan visual artist and videographer Meriem Bennani. The festival will host the Swiss premiere of Bennani's hybrid documentary film 'Bouchra,' co-directed with Orian Barki, and Bennani will participate in a public conversation about her artistic approach.

Why it matters

Bennani is known for her innovative art installations and hybrid projects that blend globalized pop culture references with representations of Maghreb history and culture. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious venues like MoMA PS1 and the Whitney Museum, making her appearance at Visions du Réel an important spotlight for her growing reputation in contemporary art.

The details

In addition to the premiere of 'Bouchra,' the festival will present seven of Bennani's short films. 'Bouchra' blends 3D animation, anthropomorphism and documentary material to tell the story of a Moroccan coyote filmmaker living in New York examining the impact of her homosexuality on her mother in Casablanca. Bennani has also created several acclaimed art installations, including 'Sole Crushing' which explores questions of living together and the place of the individual in the community.

  • The 57th edition of Visions du Réel will run from April 17-26, 2026 in Nyon, Switzerland.
  • Bennani's film 'Bouchra' will have its Swiss premiere at the festival on April 24, 2026.
  • Bennani will participate in a public conversation about her work on April 24, 2026.

The players

Meriem Bennani

A Moroccan visual artist and videographer known for her innovative art installations and hybrid projects that blend globalized pop culture references with representations of Maghreb history and culture.

Orian Barki

Bennani's co-director on the film 'Bouchra.'

Valentin Noujaïm

An artist and filmmaker who will participate in a public conversation with Bennani about her work.

Emilie Bujès

The artistic director of Visions du Réel.

Flavien Berger

The composer of the original soundtrack for Bennani's film 'Bouchra.'

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What they’re saying

“We are delighted to welcome artist Meriem Bennani, whose reputation in contemporary art is well established, and to present her remarkable first feature film, as well as seven short films. The conversation around her hybrid, pop and political practice will joyfully expand the spectrum of possibilities for this 2026 edition.”

— Emilie Bujès, Artistic Director of Visions du Réel (Variety)

What’s next

The full program for the 57th edition of Visions du Réel will be released on March 25, 2026.

The takeaway

Meriem Bennani's appearance at the prestigious Visions du Réel film festival highlights her growing reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist whose hybrid works blend contemporary pop culture with representations of Maghreb history and culture.