Tsawwar... Jinane Ennasri

“This photograph is from my ongoing series 'Hess L'bled' where I explore my birth country and capture moments that really resonate with me. It was shot in Casablanca in a neighborhood called Sidi Moumen: an area I was advised numerous times not to visit due to safety reasons. It sparked my interest regardless – I wanted to know for myself what was so 'unsafe' about Sidi Moumen. I was met with kindness from young children and shyness from the older generation because of my camera. I walked through the neighborhood reluctant to wind it and start shooting. I was looking for some sort of interaction with the locals. It wasn't until I came across two young boys sitting in front of their home when I asked, 'Where do you guys normally play foot?' To which they respond: 'Everywhere'. I asked if they could show me their favorite pitch. Minutes later we arrived at this unrealistic field that I completely fell in love with. With a game already underway, I was astonished at how it looked like the ground opened and a magical field appeared. I stood there for a while, noticing the sun slowly getting covered by grey clouds. I finally winded my camera and began to shoot. Twelve shots later, I thanked the young lads for their time and promised to visit again soon.”

Tsawwar is an ongoing visual series in Daftar which explores the stories behind a photograph, taken in the region or by an Arab photographer, written in their own words. Jinane Ennasri is a Moroccan-born photographer, raised in Jersey City, and specializing in portraiture and travel documentation. Explore her work on @jinaneennasri