I Lost My Body

As a young boy in Morocco, Naoufel nurtures dreams of being both a pianist and an astronaut. He often captures moments from his daily life on a tape recorder, showcasing his imaginative spirit and deep curiosity about the world around him.

During a car ride with his father, Naoufel's innocent distraction leads to a catastrophic crash that claims the lives of both his parents. This devastating event shatters his childhood and propels him into a new life marked by loss.

After the tragic accident, Naoufel relocates to France, leaving behind his familiar life. He moves in with his emotionally distant uncle and his abrasive cousin, facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment.

Now an adult, Naoufel works as a pizza deliveryman but struggles with punctuality under his boss's constant criticism. This job becomes a backdrop for his encounters and aspirations in the suburbs.

While making a delivery, Naoufel arrives at the apartment of Gabrielle but their interaction is limited to a conversation over the intercom. This brief encounter ignites a spark in Naoufel, leading him to develop a growing infatuation for her.

Determined to win Gabrielle over, Naoufel tracks her movements to the library where she works. He ventures into a nearby neighborhood, witnessing her kindness as she delivers medicine to her uncle Gigi, solidifying his desire to get closer.

Noticing a help-wanted sign in Gigi's window, Naoufel seizes the opportunity to work for him. He uses his status as an orphan to gain Gigi's favor, eventually relocating to an attic apartment provided by Gigi.

In a bid to impress Gabrielle, Naoufel crafts a wooden igloo on a nearby rooftop, while they share a conversation about the Arctic. This heartfelt gesture demonstrates his deep affection and desire to connect with her on a personal level.

Naoufel's jealousy ignites when he sees his cousin interacting with Gabrielle, who ends up getting invited to a party. This leads to a rooftop discussion where Naoufel reveals their earlier meeting, only to incite Gabrielle's anger and discomfort.

Naoufel attends the party alone, engulfed in his emotions, and spirals into a drunken altercation. The next morning finds him disheveled at work, resulting in a tragic accident that severs his hand while operating machinery.

Naoufel's severed hand embarks on a surreal journey, ultimately finding its way back to his bedroom. There, it rests on the bed while Naoufel sleeps, disconnected and unable to reunite with its body.

Crushed by despair after losing his hand and feeling isolated, Naoufel turns to his tape recorder. It brims with memories of his parents and the infamous car accident, reminding him of his lost childhood and present troubles.

Gabrielle, searching for Naoufel, stumbles upon his deserted room and uncovers a makeshift igloo made of sugar cubes. This discovery leads her to explore the rooftop, where she finds Naoufel's abandoned tape recorder filled with haunting messages.

In a moment of reflection, Naoufel lies on a crane, contemplating his existence and the leap he is about to take. Meanwhile, his severed hand quietly retreats into the snow, symbolizing the whimsy and tragedy of his extraordinary journey.