Hiba Bennani, known for her role in the acclaimed series Slow Horses, has been cast as the female lead in the upcoming Moroccan drama series Rass Jbel. She will star alongside Asaad Bouab in this adaptation of the popular Lebanese-Syrian drama, Al Hayba, produced by Cedars Art Production.
The series, which will be broadcast by MBC, marks a significant addition to Bennani’s growing portfolio. In Rass Jbel, she will portray Yasmina, a woman returning from Montreal for her husband’s funeral. However, she soon finds herself trapped in the town of Rass Jbel. As the heir to the powerful Fadlaoui clan, her son’s safety compels her to navigate increasingly treacherous situations, forcing her into difficult choices.
This production is generating excitement not only for its compelling storyline but also for its ensemble cast. Joining Bennani and Bouab are notable actors such as Nora Skali, Amine Ennaji, Salwa Zarhane, Nasser Akabab, and Oussama Bastaoui. The series is produced by Rafic Elzein for Cedars Art Production and Amine Benjelloun for Ali n’ Productions.
Reviving a Beloved Narrative
The original Al Hayba series, which aired between 2017 and 2020, enjoyed immense popularity in the Arabic-speaking world. Spanning five seasons, it was a ratings success across multiple platforms, including MBC Drama, Netflix, Shahid, MTV Lebanon, and Orbit Showtime. The show’s impact was further amplified by its adaptation in Turkey as Al Madina Al Baida.
Bennani’s casting in Rass Jbel was first hinted at during the Marrakech International Film Festival, where her rising star was evident following her portrayal of the character Tara in Season 5 of Slow Horses. She has also appeared in significant roles in other productions, including the conspiracy thriller Prime Target, the French-Arabic short Donkey Skin, and the comedy-drama 1995. Recently, she featured in the Moroccan social drama 2 Wjouh and the espionage series Ghosts of Beirut on Showtime and Paramount+.
As anticipation builds for Rass Jbel, the combination of a talented cast and a gripping narrative promises to captivate audiences across the region and beyond.
