I create books, artwork, workshops, and experiences inspired by heritage, oral tradition, and the stories we carry.
Hajeetek Majeetek: My Grandmother's North African Folktales
For generations, North African storytellers have begun their tales with the words "Hajeetek Majeetek."
In this debut collection, Sara Filali preserves the folktales of her grandmother, Zohra Zaoui, a village woman from the Jebala region of Morocco whose stories carried the magic, wisdom, and resilience of her ancestors.
Latest Updates
January 2026: Funny animated facial expressions aside, this was a great night! I co-hosted a cultural storytelling night with Mile Hay Souk and partnered with a local Moroccan restaurant to raise funds for flood victims in Safi.
December 2025: Facilitated a painting workshop for heathcare workers at the Anschutz Children’s hospital. It’s been a while since I’ve flexed my painter’s muscle, but being surrounded by a creative community is always a great way to revive that.
November 2025: Taught another “Art of Storytelling Workshop”, but this time at the Islamic Arts Festival in Houston. What an honor, alhamdullilah. First time teaching on a huge stage and a tech team.
October 2025: Celebrated the 2-year anniversary of Hajeetek Majeetek in Denver! In collaboration with Lamma events, we set up a whimsically beautiful all-women gathering. I’m still in awe of the tablescape and decorations.
January 2025: I started my second year with the Muslim writer’s group, House of Amal. We meet every week to submit our written work and give turns critiquing. It’s been an exellent way of developing my skills as a writer and cultivating a community of Muslim writers.
September 2024: Celebrated the one year anniversary of Hajeetek Majeetek in my current hometown Denver, Colorado. It was a beautiful night of storytelling and community. A perfect way to end one year of becoming a first-time author.
June 2024: Another visit to Morocco! Last minute I decided to pack one of my suitcases with 60 books and managed to secure a book event at a school in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. The Hajeetek Majeetek book tour had officially gone international!
May 2024: Hajeetek Majeetek officially went on tour! It was an incredible journey through Texas, Colorado, and North Carolina where I had the privilege of performing my grandmother’s folktales and teaching storytelling workshops. What a joy to celebrate this book with so many readers.
Keep up with me on Instagram: @filali_studios
Bring Storytelling to Your Community
From universities and schools to cultural organizations and community spaces, Sara creates immersive experiences exploring storytelling, creativity, identity, and heritage.
Offerings:
✓ Storytelling performances
✓ Cultural workshops
✓ Writing workshops
✓ Creativity workshops
✓ Book talks
Need a Creative Thought Partner?
Studio Sessions are one-on-one conversations for writers, artists, and storytellers looking to refine their ideas, strengthen their voice, and move creative projects forward.
Great for:
Portfolio feedback
Artist statements
Story development
Creative direction
Brainstorming
Salam, I'm Sara.
I am a Moroccan-American author, illustrator, and storyteller passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring the stories that shape our identities.
Through Filali Studios, I create books, artwork, workshops, and experiences that celebrate heritage, imagination, and connection.