With deep sadness, terrible shock, and very heavy hearts, the Close Up team and family say goodbye to one of our dear filmmakers, Yzza Slaoui. The world lost a bright and talented soul.

Yzza was part of our family of filmmakers, having participated in Close Up in 2019 / 2020 with her film ROTTEN STRAWBERRY. She immediately made an impact on us all. She was a wonderful young woman fully of life, ideas, sensitivity, and humor. Yzza was a promising documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Casablanca and London. Her work inherently reflected her values, as it shined a light on the power of women, overcoming of conflict, and care for our planet. During our time with Yzza, we discovered an amazing and compassionate person who knew how to touch the hearts of all those present with her sincerity and authenticity. The project that she was developing during her time with Close Up showed how profoundly she listened to others and wanted above all else to offer them a voice through her camera.

“If someone represented the youth and future of Morocco, then it was Yzza,” said Hans Robert Eisenhauer, her Close Up mentor.

We are sending Yzza’s family, friends, and colleagues love and strength from around the globe. Her work, legacy, soul, and heart will live on amongst us all.