As soon as it opened, the market, set up in the courtyard of the town hall where the flag of Morocco, as the festival’s guest of honour, has been hoisted since the start of this important cinematographic event of the cultural season in France, was stormed by strollers and festival-goers who did not hesitate to do their shopping there between two screenings.
Visitors, including members of the Moroccan community and friends of Morocco, were not discouraged by the rain to respond to the call of Mayor Xavier Bonnefont who had invited interested people to come “see Moroccan artisans in this market”. “We are delighted to welcome Morocco and Moroccan cinema to Angoulême on the occasion of this 17th edition of the FFA”, he told MAP, on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Tuesday, of the festival which continues until September 1. The Angoulême City Hall, draped throughout the festival in the colors of Morocco, is thus in keeping with the spirit of the FFA by offering the public to extend the discovery of national cinematography with “a total immersion in Moroccan culture”.
Its “Moroccan Market” is intended to be an invitation to enjoy “the authenticity and charm of Moroccan craftsmanship”, with basketwork, pottery, jewelry, argan oil, caftans, a tea room and henna tattoo workshops on the menu. “The idea is to highlight crafts, gastronomy, and projects led by women that are self-financing”, explained to MAP, Meriem Panazol, founder of the association “Balcon de la francophonie” in charge of events designed to help people discover Morocco. Christelle, owner of a boutique based in the Charente region (which includes Angoulême) who works with cooperatives in Marrakech, said she was delighted to present a very varied offer of Moroccan crafts.
Her stand is always full, so high is the demand for her items (clothing, doum, ironwork, travertine, Zellij, carpets, tagines, pottery, etc.). Based in Angoulême for 10 years, Khadija, originally from Fez, relies on her expertise as a seamstress to help promote the Moroccan caftan, which is in great demand by the city’s various communities, particularly Maghrebians. Lovers of Morocco and its culture, Claudine and her three friends, who are regulars at the festival, did not need to be asked twice to do their shopping at the “Marocain Market” for a break before continuing with the viewing of the films screened, including in the “Tribute to Moroccan Cinema” section.
On the sidelines of the FFA, which promises a rich and varied program with tributes and exhibitions on the menu, a series of photos by Moroccan photographer and videographer Leila Alaoui (1982-2016) will be exhibited, in collaboration with the IMA. Created in 2008 and dedicated to French-language cinema, the FFA is held in the city of Angoulême, in Charente in the South-West of France. Every year, at the end of the summer, it establishes itself as the unmissable event of the cultural season in France.
2024-09-25 11:41:25