Trances

The film focuses on communal and ritualistic aspects of Gnawa spirituality. It does not have a narrative focus on non-straight or non-cisgender identities or LGBTQ+ themes.

The documentary captures male-dominated spaces of Gnawa musical performances. While reflecting specific social structures, the narrative lacks strong female presence or challenges to gender hierarchies.

The film excels by centering the Gnawa, descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans. It provides high ability to act to a historically underrepresented group through Berber rhythms and Gnawa dances.

The work prioritizes indigenous spiritualities and oral traditions over Westernized structures. It uses traditional instruments and Malhun poetry to frame local tradition as a force of resistance.

Ritual trance is presented as a spiritual and cultural practice rather than a clinical disability. There is insufficient evidence to score this category.