Moroccan documentary The Magic of The Hajhouj won the Gold Winner in the Cultural Documentary category at the 2026 Telly Awards in the United States, another milestone for the country’s growing film industry.
Written by Moroccan Journalist Mohamed Hafidi and directed by Abdelilah Moujani the documentary was produced by Al Sharq Documentary and executed by 7 Art Media. It explores the story of the Hajhouj, also known as the Guembri or Sintir, an instrument that has become a defining symbol of Morocco’s Gnawa musical tradition.
The documentary traces the instrument’s living legacy through musicians, craftsmen, and preservers of Gnawa culture. Filmed entirely in the city of Essaouira, the documentary features musician Hind Nnaira, artist Younes Bako, instrument makers, cultural practitioners, and representatives of “Gnawa Zawiyas”.
The film also explores how the hajhouj influenced musicians beyond Morocco while remaining deeply rooted in the country’s cultural identity. An all-Moroccan technical and creative team produced the documentary.
The award marks another international success for Hafidi and Moujani, who also received silver and bronze honors for their documentaries Al Haouz Earthquake and Under the Mercy of Tents and The Indian Dream at the 2025 Telly Awards. It is their third Telly Award in two consecutive editions.
Founded in 1979, The Telly Awards have celebrated excellence in television, documentary, and digital productions worldwide. The 2026 edition attracted more than 13,900 entries from across the globe, making the gold award particularly competitive.
Speaking on the occasion, Hafidi dedicated the award to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, saying the documentary reflects Morocco’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage through documentary filmmaking.
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