Among the Chickens is a short film about Lamya, a young
woman dealing with bulimia during Ramadan in a small Berber
village in Morocco. She struggles to hide her condition from her
family, but as her battle intensifies, she finds herself torn between
cultural expectations and her personal pain. The film explores
themes of secrecy, family, and the complexity of mental health in
a community where these struggles are rarely spoken about. It’s a
story of silent battles and emotional depth, offering an honest
look at the challenges Lamya faces.
Dear Visitors,
We have a brilliant film maker from Belgium, who is making a film on Bulimia in Ramadan. They need our support. Please support the project by clicking Here.
Among The Chickens – The Film
In a month dedicated to unconditional love, Lamya, a Moroccan teenage girl, feels more isolated than ever.
Among the Chickens is a story of hidden pain, quiet resilience, and the bond between father and daughter set against the backdrop of a traditional Berber community. This film explores the emotional landscape of a young girl’s struggle with bulimia, the isolating effects of her secret, and the cultural pressures she faces during the holy month of Ramadan.
At the heart of the film is Lamya, a girl caught between her personal turmoil and the expectations placed on her by her family and community. As her condition worsens in silence, she goes to great lengths to conceal it, even feeding her vomit to the chickens so that her father remains unaware. While her father lovingly tends to his flock, Lamya faces an internal battle that she cannot share with him. The film contrasts her secret with the beauty and harshness of life in the mountains, where every action is steeped in tradition and where the weight of societal judgment looms large.
Among the Chickens is about the silent struggles that many face alone, and the quiet strength it takes to survive. It’s a story about the complexity of growing up in a world that doesn’t fully understand you, and the heartbreaking lengths one will go to protect those they love from the truth
I have struggled with bulimia since 2017. It’s not something I deal with every single day—this disorder comes and goes. There are periods, sometimes lasting a year, where I manage to keep it under control. But living in a Muslim household, Ramadan triggers my bulimia every time.
During Ramadan, we fast all day until sunset. When it’s finally time to eat, I binge on a lot of food, which makes me feel horrible. I end up purging every evening of that month. After Ramadan, I try so hard to recover, but it’s incredibly difficult. It’s been almost eight months now, and while I’m slowly getting better, I’m still caught in a cycle of bingeing and purging—not every day, but often enough.
The pandemic has made recovery even harder, and the thought of the next Ramadan approaching fills me with dread. Why do I still participate? I know I shouldn’t—people who are unwell aren’t required to fast. But I’ve never told anyone about my disorder. I feel so ashamed, and I’m afraid my parents wouldn’t understand. They don’t seem like the kind of people I could turn to for support.
A note written in 2020 by co-writer Loubna Tarrahi
The budget for Among the Chickens is structured to prioritize authenticity, fairness, and quality. A significant portion is dedicated to securing real locations and covering travel, meals, and housing for the crew.
We are investing in strong cinematography and lighting to capture the film’s raw atmosphere, along with an original score to deepen its emotional impact. Post-production and festival submissions are crucial to sharing Lamya’s story with the world. While the director is working without pay, we are committed to fair compensation for everyone involve.
Meet the Team
Max Willocx is a Belgian filmmaker passionate about telling authentic, character-driven stories. With a background in arthouse cinema, Max brings a keen eye for emotional depth to Among the Chickens, his latest project as co-writer and director. His work explores complex human struggles, focusing on realism and intimate storytelling. Previously, he was recognized at the La Shorts, reinforcing his commitment to narratives that connect with audiences on a personal level, offering insight into the silent challenges many face every day.
Loubna is an art director for films with a degree in architecture, and the story of Among the Chickens is based on her own experiences. Her background in design shapes the visual elements of the film, while her personal connection to the story adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. As co-writer, Loubna brings a unique perspective, drawing from her own journey to create a story that’s both deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
Daan Kramer draws inspiration from everyday life, capturing real people and their stories with sincerity. His work balances careful preparation with openness to the unpredictable, always serving the narrative. A Tribeca Film Festival award winner for Best Cinematography, he brings a keen eye for visual storytelling, whether in documentaries or fiction. His goal remains the same: to find truth in every frame.
You can see how fantastic and timely this project is, we would highly appreciate if you could support the team in this great initiative. BE part of something great and historic.
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