Zakaria El-Sem's Struggle and Triumph: A Moroccan Story
Zakaria El-Sem left Morocco with a diploma in hand and dreams of success in France, specifically in the bustling city of Paris. However, the reality he encountered was far from the bright future he envisioned. As an undocumented immigrant, Zakaria faced extreme hardship, including living in precarious conditions and undergoing psychiatric hospitalization. His journey is eloquently captured in his new book, 'Le coiffeur mal béni,' co-authored with French writer Antoine Jobard, which was published by Lux Éditeur.
Upon arriving in Paris, Zakaria quickly realized the multitude of challenges that undocumented foreigners face. He recounts experiences of racism, police checks, and bureaucratic obstacles that often ended in closed doors. His narrative reflects a life filled with uncertainty and relentless struggles to secure basic necessities for survival. Over time, the toll of these challenges began to weigh heavily on his mental health. He began to hear voices, which he referred to as his 'jnoun,' a nod to the djinns of Moroccan folklore. This experience of auditory hallucinations introduced a new layer of complexity to his already tumultuous existence, leading to profound fear, a loss of personal bearings, and ultimately, psychiatric hospitalization.
Transforming Pain into Powerful Narratives
Throughout this tumultuous journey, the support of friends became essential for Zakaria. Many offered him shelter and companionship, particularly following his hospital stay. With Antoine Jobard's assistance, Zakaria gradually transformed his life experiences into a compelling autobiographical narrative spanning 256 pages. Drawing inspiration from the rich storytelling tradition of the Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, the book vividly portrays his trials, encounters, and the solidarity that helped him navigate the darkest periods of his life.
'Le coiffeur mal béni' was officially released in Europe on October 16, 2026, and is set to launch in North America on November 4, 2026. A book launch event is scheduled for the same day at La Livrerie bookstore in Montreal, followed by another presentation on November 26 at L’Atelier bookstore in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. Additionally, Zakaria's story is being adapted into a documentary directed by Clément Jandard, which received €45,000 in development support from the National Center for Cinema and the Animated Image in June 2026. This film aims to depict his return to a Parisian squat and the collective effort of his friends to help him regain control over his life post-hospitalization.
As reported by bladi.net.
