During this meeting, organized at the initiative of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) and the “Al Moubadara Attakafiya” Association, the various speakers indicated that through image and sound, the seventh art not only shows the founding otherness of living together, with a focus on the Other or the immigrant, but also contributes to the knowledge of migrations in their complexity and historical depth.
The greatest strength of cinema is social, by sparking a collective debate within societies, they noted, noting that cinema professionals, through their works, remain witnesses to the issues of their time and invite the spectator to accompany them in their reflections on this subject.
According to them, the 7th art also allows us to shine the spotlight on sequences relating to the living, working and integration conditions of migrants in host societies.
Furthermore, the participants made it known that in an increasingly interdependent, interconnected and contradictory world, international migration has become a global issue, marked by the multiplication of security policies, border closures and problems of integration and of racism.
These are all complex issues which must be at the center of the concerns not only of decision-makers, researchers and Human Rights activists, but also of artists of all stripes, they said.
On this occasion, the president of the CCME, Driss El Yazami underlined, in a statement to MAP, that this meeting is intended to be a space for exchanges and debates between specialists from various countries, around questions related to cinema and to the phenomenon of migration.
This seminar, he specified, made it possible to question the image given by cinema to the question of migration, to expose the issues raised relating to it and to discuss the public’s perception of these various dedicated film productions.
Mr. El Yazami, who welcomed the fruitful exchanges which marked the two round tables of this seminar, indicated that most countries have cinematographic production on migration, adding that more and more filmmakers from migration make films.
This seminar was structured around two round tables, the first of which under the theme ”The migrant seen by the other in the cinema”, addressed the means in which cinema shapes the perceptions and representations of the migrant, through images that influence the understanding of the social, cultural and political issues linked to migration and the way in which cinema allows us to understand the complex realities of immigration.
Thus, the stereotypes, narratives and emotions conveyed by cinema on migrants were explored, as well as the methods of developing representations on human mobility and migratory issues.
Regarding the second round table entitled “Self-representation: when migrants tell their own story”, it focused on the different ways in which migrants appropriate their image in cinema and the impact of this self-representation. -representation on the construction of identities and the way in which societies perceive migratory realities.
In this regard, the speakers addressed various questions relating in particular to the evolution of the representation of migrants on screen, in addition to the redefinition of cinematographic narratives, social perceptions and identity issues linked to migration.
Filmmakers and researchers from Morocco and abroad, notably from France, the United States, Tunisia and Spain took part in this meeting, initiated in partnership with the Agadir Chamber of Commerce. .
What themes related to migration were discussed during the seminar led by Driss El Yazami?
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Driss El Yazami, President of the CCME
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Driss El Yazami. Your recent seminar on cinema and migration has sparked significant interest. Can you share what prompted the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad to initiate this event?
Driss El Yazami: Thank you for having me. The seminar was born out of a recognition of the important role cinema plays in shaping public perception of migration. We wanted to create a platform for dialog among experts, filmmakers, and researchers to explore the complexities of migration through the lens of cinema. The seventh art not only reflects societal issues but also engages viewers in meaningful discussions about these themes.
Time.news Editor: You highlighted the strength of cinema as a social medium. In what ways do you believe film can contribute to the dialog around the challenges faced by migrants?
Driss El Yazami: Cinema has a unique ability to humanize the experiences of migrants, showcasing their struggles and triumphs. By presenting stories that emphasize the living, working, and integration conditions of migrants within host societies, filmmakers can ignite collective debates on empathy, acceptance, and the realities of migration. This storytelling aspect is crucial for fostering understanding in an increasingly interconnected and often contradictory world.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that migration is now a global issue, exacerbated by security policies, border closures, and rising racism. How do you see the role of artists in addressing these complex challenges?
Driss El Yazami: Artists are vital in this discourse. They possess the creativity and empathy to present these issues in thought-provoking ways. It’s essential that artists, alongside decision-makers and human rights activists, engage in discussions that not only highlight these challenges but also propose solutions. Their work can break down stereotypes and allow for a more nuanced understanding of migration and its implications.
Time.news Editor: During the seminar, what were some of the primary topics or themes that emerged in relation to the depiction of migration in cinema?
Driss El Yazami: One significant theme was the representation of the ‘Other’ and how it shapes identity. We discussed how cinema can either reinforce negative stereotypes or challenge perceptions through authentic storytelling. Additionally, we examined the various cinematic productions from different nations that deal with migration, assessing how they contribute to the larger narrative around integration and societal acceptance.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a very enlightening experience for everyone involved. What do you hope will come from this discussion in terms of future collaborations or projects?
Driss El Yazami: I envision stronger collaborations between filmmakers and migration experts moving forward. By bridging these fields, we can create more impactful narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. I also hope this seminar inspires further research and artistic projects that continue to revolve around the theme of migration, deepening our understanding and fostering solidarity across communities.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that cinema has the potential to drive important conversations. As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave our readers regarding the intersection of cinema and migration?
Driss El Yazami: I would like to emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding. Cinema can act as a mirror to society, reflecting the human condition in all its complexities. By engaging with films that tell the stories of migrants, we can become more informed and compassionate citizens. Let us use art as a means to foster dialog and understanding in our ever-changing world.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Driss El Yazami, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that your work is paving the way for important conversations about migration and its representation in cinema.
Driss El Yazami: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical issues.