Hiba Bennani, known for her role in the acclaimed series Slow Horses, has been cast alongside Asaad Bouab in the upcoming Moroccan drama series Rass Jbel. Bennani will take on the role of Yasmina, the female lead in this adaptation of the popular Lebanese-Syrian drama Al Hayba, which originally premiered in 2017.
The series revolves around Yasmina, who returns to her hometown of Rass Jbel from Montreal to bury her husband. However, she finds herself ensnared in the complex dynamics of her new surroundings. As the heir to the influential Fadlaoui clan, her son becomes the center of her world, prompting Yasmina to navigate a series of perilous compromises to ensure his safety. The show promises to deliver a gripping tale of love, honor, and power, engaging viewers with its high-stakes narrative.
Production and Background
Produced by Cedars Art Production and Ali n’ Productions, Rass Jbel will be broadcast on the Middle Eastern network MBC. The original series, Al Hayba, was a significant success, running for five seasons until 2020 and becoming a ratings hit across the Arabic-speaking world. The series was also adapted in Turkey as Al Madina Al Baida, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
Joining Bennani and Bouab in the cast are actors Nora Skali, Amine Ennaji, Salwa Zarhane, Nasser Akabab, and Oussama Bastaoui, who will contribute to the rich storytelling of the series. The collaboration of experienced producers like Rafic Elzein and Amine Benjelloun is expected to enhance the production’s quality and reach.
Bennani’s Rising Career
Since her breakout role as the multifaceted Tara in Season 5 of Slow Horses, Bennani’s career has been on an upward trajectory. She has appeared in various projects, including the conspiracy thriller Prime Target on Apple TV, the French-Arabic short film Donkey Skin, and the Moroccan social drama 2 Wjouh. Additionally, she featured in the Showtime/Paramount+ espionage series Ghosts of Beirut, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
The announcement of her casting in Rass Jbel was first hinted at during the Marrakech International Film Festival, where her presence on the red carpet generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Bennani’s participation in this new series marks a significant step in her career, as she continues to explore diverse roles that challenge her as an actress. With her talent and the engaging storyline of Rass Jbel, viewers can anticipate an exciting addition to the world of contemporary Moroccan television.
