Chergui

Dhakira Collective is a community project that promotes the cinema and art of marginalised artists from the SWANA region (South West Asia and North Africa), particularly women and queer people. In partnership with La Clef Revival, Dhakira presents Chergui, a series of screenings and discussions addressing feminist themes, exile, queer struggles and political revolutions. The word “chergui” refers to a hot, dry wind blowing from the desert to the Mediterranean, symbolising strength, transformation and the movement of people. This choice of title reflects the spirit of the series: a powerful wind that crosses borders, carrying with it the stories of exiles, the struggle for rights, and the voices that are often forgotten or marginalised. The films selected, from countries including Lebanon, Yemen, Algeria and Iran, explore the cultural richness and social struggles of the region through a range of cinematic genres, from documentary to science fiction and experimental cinema. Each screening is followed by a discussion that invites critical reflection, using cinema as a political, educational and socially engaged tool.