Bouchra Is in Theaters and There Is Nothing Like It

By The Backlot

@backlotfriends

An animated dark-furred jackal stands in the rain in a neon-lit city in Bouchra (2026), the Film Movement debut from directors Orian Barki and Meriem Bennani

Bouchra is in select theaters now. The film follows Bouchra, a queer Moroccan jackal living in New York City, as she tries to write her first film while calling her mother in Casablanca.

Directors Orian Barki and Meriem Bennani blend animation, documentary, and personal essay. Bennani, a visual artist known for her video work, directed the film with Barki and stars in it. Variety called it a film that carves a unique spot for itself. Critics gave it 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

For anyone who has tried to make something while caught between two countries. If you liked Flee for what animation does to a real story, this goes further.

Watch Flee for context. Or watch Bennani's video art first.

The animated jackal who calls her mom to figure out what to say is the most human character of this summer.

Quick Facts

Bouchra Is in Theaters and There Is Nothing Like It

DirectorOrian Barki, Meriem Bennani

CastMeriem Bennani, Orian Barki, Fayçal Azizi, Ariana Faye Allensworth, Hassan Hamdani

GenreAnimation, Drama

Release2026-06-26

Runtime83 min

Rated6.0/10

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Bouchra is in select theaters now. An animated Moroccan jackal calls her mom in Casablanca while trying to write her first film. Part animation, part documentary. 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. #Bouchra #Backlot @meriembennani

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Bouchra is in select theaters now. An animated Moroccan jackal in New York City calls her mom in Casablanca and turns it into a film. Part animation, part documentary, completely its own thing.

Bouchra is in select theaters now. The film follows Bouchra, a queer Moroccan jackal living in New York City, as she tries to write her first film while calling her mother in Casablanca.

For anyone who has tried to make something while caught between two countries. If you liked Flee for what animation does to a real story, this goes further.

Watch Flee for context. Or watch Bennani's video art first.

The animated jackal who calls her mom to figure out what to say is the most human character of this summer.