The Portrayal of Migration Motivations and Conditions for Moroccan Jewish Characters in Moroccan Cinema: The Case of "Where Are You Going Moshe?" and "Goodbye Mothers"

Abstract

The present study delves into the representation of migration conditions among Moroccan Jews during the 1960s, a pivotal decade marked by a substantial exodus from Morocco. This mass migration, characterized by its irreversibility, remains a subject of ongoing debate regarding individual motivations and the contentious circumstances surrounding the journey. Notably, the tragic sinking of the Egoz in 1961, resulting in the loss of 44 Moroccan Jewish lives, serves as a poignant manifestation of the complex challenges faced during this migration. Despite its significance, research on the motives and conditions of Moroccan Jewish migration is notably scarce, prompting the exploration of this knowledge gap in the current research paper. To address this issue comprehensively, the study employs a methodological approach grounded in Critical Discourse Analysis, specifically utilizing the Discourse-Historical Analysis (DHA) framework in conjunction with Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis theory. The aim is to deconstruct both discursive and visual representations of migration conditions and motives within two cinematic sources: "Where Are You Going Moshe?" (2007) and "Goodbye Mothers" (2007). The findings underscore that migratory journeys were instigated by a complex interplay of internal (national) and external (extra-national) factors. Furthermore, the migratory conditions are revealed to be characterized by selectiveness, promptness, secrecy, and tragedy.