Organized in partnership with the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM), the Municipality of Agadir and the Souss Massa Regional Council, this cinematographic event which will continue until the 15th, highlights Amazigh cinema as well as works from all over the world.
The opening ceremony of this event was marked by a tribute paid to Hassan Badida, an emblematic figure of Moroccan theater and cinema.
On this occasion, the “Issni N’Ourgh Solidarité” Prize was awarded to the actor Mr. Badida who left his mark on the artistic landscape with more than 50 films to his credit and major theatrical contributions.
In a statement to MAP, the Secretary General of the Issni N’Ourgh Amazigh Film Association, Said Adil stressed that this edition is marked by a rich and varied programming, with the presentation of several foreign cinematographic works, in addition to the organization of a series of parallel activities in Tiznit and Taroudant.
True to its slogan “Agadir: Capital of Amazigh culture”, this event brings together local and international talents to celebrate the richness and diversity of Amazigh culture and world cultures through cinema.
Chaired by Mustapha saadi, lawyer at the Paris bar and defender of Amazigh culture in France and Europe, the jury of the Amazigh competition is made up of Rachid Aslal, moroccan actor, screenwriter and director, Mohamed Tessougmine, screenwriter and film critic, said Abarnous, playwright and screenwriter, and malibu Taetz, Canadian filmmaker.
The international competition is evaluated by a jury composed of the Moroccan director and producer Rachid Boutounes (president),the Danish director,Charlotte Schioler and the Franco-Turkish director specializing in the themes of identity and past memory,Elif Karakartal,as well as Farida Aït Ferroukh,lecturer at the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) and Fatima Yahdi,journalist.
The competition for the National Amazigh Culture Prize, Amazigh film category, organized in partnership with IRCAM, is chaired by a jury of experts in Amazigh language and culture.
This jury is made up of Driss Azdoud, research director at IRCAM, Abdallah Boumalk, doctor in language sciences and khalid Ansar, specialist in phonology and research director at IRCAM.
According to the organizers, FINIFA 2024 promises to be an unmissable event for film buffs and enthusiasts of Amazigh and world culture, with a program rich in films, debates and meetings.
What are the key highlights and features of the International festival of Amazigh Film (FINIFA) 2024?
Interview: Celebrating Amazigh Cinema at FINIFA 2024
Time.news Editor: Today, we’re diving into the excitement surrounding the International Festival of Amazigh Film (FINIFA) 2024, which is currently underway in Agadir, morocco. Joining us is said Adil, Secretary General of the Issni N’Ourgh Amazigh Film Association. Welcome, Said!
Said Adil: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: To kick things off,can you tell us about the significance of this festival and what it aims to achieve?
Said Adil: Absolutely! FINIFA 2024 is organized in partnership with the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM),the Municipality of Agadir,and the Souss Massa Regional council. Our main aim is to highlight Amazigh cinema, showcasing it alongside various international works. This year, we’re also focusing on celebrating the richness and diversity of Amazigh culture and world cultures through the medium of film.
Editor: That sounds incredible. we understand that the festival has a special tribute this year. Can you elaborate on that?
Said Adil: Of course! We recently paid tribute to Hassan Badida, an iconic figure in Moroccan theater and cinema. His contributions, with over 50 films and significant theatrical works, have left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Morocco. We honored him by awarding the “Issni N’Ourgh Solidarité” Prize, which not only recognizes his achievements but also inspires the next generation of artists.
Editor: It’s wonderful to see such respect for history and culture. What can attendees expect in terms of programming and activities during the festival?
Said adil: This edition promises a rich and varied programme. Attendees can look forward to several foreign cinematographic works, alongside various parallel activities in Tiznit and Taroudant. our slogan,“Agadir: Capital of Amazigh culture,” truly embodies our commitment to local and international talents celebrating cultural diversity.
Editor: It’s exciting to hear about the inclusion of international perspectives! Who are some of the notable jurors evaluating the films in the competition?
said Adil: We have an esteemed jury for the Amazigh competition chaired by Mustapha Saadi, a prominent lawyer and defender of Amazigh culture. Joining him are notable figures such as Moroccan actor Rachid Aslal and Canadian filmmaker Malibu Taetz. The international competition features a diverse jury including Moroccan director Rachid Boutounes and Danish director Charlotte Schioler. Their varied backgrounds enrich the evaluation process.
Editor: With so many films and discussions, what do you see as the implications for the film industry, particularly within Amazigh cinema?
Said Adil: The festival serves as a pivotal platform for introducing Amazigh narratives to broader audiences. By engaging with international filmmakers and critics, we open doors for collaboration and understanding. This not only elevates Amazigh cinema on a global scale but also fosters a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures within the film industry.
Editor: That’s a significant impact indeed. For readers who are passionate about cinema and cultural diversity, what practical advice do you have for them on participating in such events?
Said Adil: I encourage everyone to actively engage with festivals like FINIFA. Attend screenings, participate in discussions, and network with filmmakers and artists. It’s not just about enjoying films; it’s also about understanding the cultural contexts they come from.Supporting local cinema is essential in preserving and promoting cultural diversity.
Editor: Thank you, Said, for sharing these insights into FINIFA 2024. It sounds like a must-attend event for film lovers looking to discover the beauty of Amazigh culture and cinema.
Said Adil: Thank you for having me! I hope to see many new faces at these screenings and discussions.
Editor: Thank you, readers, for joining us.don’t miss the chance to experience this enriching celebration of cinema, which continues until December 15th!