The call to prayer is a familiar sound in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Five times a day the minaret sounds, and people from all across Moroccan valleys pause to say their prayers. The people of these villages are proud of their traditions, and many are subsistence farmers who work hard to make a living and maintain their families. This is no different for Aziza Raji, it’s just that despite the daily tasks that are expected of her, she manages to find time to train to be one of the rising stars of Moroccan ultra-running. Set in the streets of Bou Tharar and the wide, craggy valleys of the lower Atlas, ‘Aziza’ is the story of a young woman who has thrived in the world of ultra-racing. The combination of her ambition, determination, and the loving support of her family has helped her to overcome many social and cultural challenges, and has made her a role model for other up-and-coming athletes in Morocco.

A film by Coldhouse ​