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Marrakech’s Iconic Biker Girl Comes to Dubai

Acclaimed Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj is showing a free screening of his first feature-length film, Karima: A Day in the Life of a Henna Girl at Cinema Akil at Alserkal in Dubai tomorrow evening as part of GPP Photo Week 2017. “The whole idea is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone; I want to transfer that energy that I have in [my London] studio and express it here,” Hajjaj explains to Vogue Arabia. Set in Marrakech, the documentary—which made its debut at LACMA and Art Basel in 2015—explores themes of gender roles in contemporary Islamic culture, as it details the life of Karima, a local icon who spends her days creating intricate henna designs for tourists in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech’s old Medina district. The documentary is a follow-up to Kesh Angels, a series of photographs of a fashion-forward motorcycle gang of women in Marrakech who are known for breezing through narrow alleyways on bikes, their vibrant veils and traditional djellabas billowing behind them. Friday night’s film screening will be followed by a conversation with Hajjaj and Karima herself.

Karima photographed by Sueraya Shaheen

Karima photographed by Sueraya Shaheen

Hassan Hajjaj is set to launch a pair of his and hers sneakers for Valentine’s Day.

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