The winning films were announced during the closing and awards ceremony, held in the presence of the Moroccan ambassador to Benin, Rachid Rguibi, several personalities from the world of culture and art, as well as an audience of filmmakers and artists from more than 20 African countries.
“Sahari Slem Wesaa”, which represented Moroccan cinema in this edition alongside the films “The Glass of Friendship” by director Naoufel Berraoui, and “Jalal Eddine” by Hassan Benjelloun, won the grand prize (Kama D’ gold), in the “Feature-length fiction” category, while the second prize was awarded to the film “Mayouya” by Claudia Yaka from Congo Brazzaville. The feature film “Evil Does Not Come From Far” by Gabonese director Melchissedec Obbiangz won third prize in this category.
“Sahari Slem Wesaa”, a 119-minute feature film, set between the 70s and 90s of the last century, tells the story of Hammad, Salka and Ammar, three brothers from the southern provinces of the Kingdom, who decided, after the Green March, to break ties so that everyone could lead their own lives alone.
Moroccan cinema, guest of honor at this edition, organized in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom in Benin and Togo and the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), also won third prize in the “Documentary” category, which was awarded to director Fatima Aglaz for her production “Dernière mine”.
The jury for this edition, chaired by Nigerien Beidari Yacouba and which includes Abdelaziz Tellat, film critic and director of media and communications at the Khouribga International African Cinema Festival (FICAK), and Gnamey Kamilda from Benin, awarded the first prize in this category went to the Senegalese documentary “The Fleuve is not a Border”, by Alassane Diago, while the second prize went to the documentary “La destin d’une Camionneuse” by Burkinabé Yssouf Kousse.
Out of a total of 117 cinematographic works from 21 African countries and the diaspora, nine feature films, 26 short films and 14 documentaries were chosen for the Official Competition.
This edition was marked in particular by the organization of training workshops in screenplay, acting and cinematography direction, as well as a conference under the theme: “cinema, a tool in the fight against violent extremism”.
What are the challenges faced by filmmakers in the African cinema industry today?
Title: Celebrating African Cinema: An Interview with a Cultural Expert
Setting: A cozy studio decorated with film posters and vintage film equipment, setting the stage for a rich discussion on cinema.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special interview segment. Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of African cinema, particularly the recent awards ceremony that celebrated some remarkable films. With us is Dr. Amina Kouyaté, a noted expert in African cultural studies and cinema. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kouyaté!
Dr. Amina Kouyaté: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting event for African cinema.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The recent awards ceremony showcased a diverse array of films from over 20 African countries. Can you tell us about the significance of this event in promoting African cinema on a global stage?
Dr. Amina Kouyaté: Certainly! Events like these not only highlight the artistic talents within Africa but also create an opportunity for cultural exchange and collaboration. They serve as a platform for filmmakers to share their stories and experiences, fostering a sense of pride in African storytelling. The presence of the Moroccan ambassador to Benin and various cultural personalities emphasizes the support and recognition for these artists.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of recognition, “Sahari Slem Wesaa” won the grand prize in the Feature-length Fiction category. What do you think set it apart from the other nominees?
Dr. Amina Kouyaté: “Sahari Slem Wesaa” captured the essence of Moroccan culture and presented its narrative in a refreshing way that resonated with the audience. The film’s storytelling, character depth, and visual artistry likely contributed to its victory. Additionally, it was notable to see films like “The Glass of Friendship” and “Jalal Eddine” also representing Moroccan cinema, signifying a strong presence that showcases the country’s rich cinematic tradition.
Time.news Editor: Indeed! It’s great to see such representation. The second prize went to Claudia Yaka’s “Mayouya,” with the third prize awarded to Melchissedec Obbiangz’s “Evil Does Not Come From Far.” How do you see these films contributing to the narrative of African cinema?
Dr. Amina Kouyaté: Both films bring unique perspectives that enrich the African narrative tapestry. “Mayouya” explores themes that resonate deeply within Congolese culture, while “Evil Does Not Come From Far” challenges viewers to confront societal issues through a thrilling lens. These films highlight the diversity of African experiences and encourage us to engage with different narratives, thus expanding our understanding of the continent.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like they both have powerful messages. As an expert, how do you perceive the future of African cinema in terms of international recognition and impact?
Dr. Amina Kouyaté: The potential is immense. With the global audience increasingly seeking authentic and diverse narratives, African cinema is perfectly positioned to capture their interest. The ongoing development of film festivals, production studios, and funding opportunities will bolster filmmakers in telling their stories. However, it’s crucial to maintain authenticity while embracing new technologies and platforms to reach wider audiences.
Time.news Editor: Wise words! What advice would you give to emerging filmmakers in Africa who aspire to achieve similar recognition?
Dr. Amina Kouyaté: Stay true to your vision and voice. Tell the stories that matter to you and your community. Networking with other filmmakers and participating in workshops can also greatly enhance their skills. leveraging social media and digital platforms can amplify their reach, connecting them with audiences around the globe.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kouyaté, for your insights on this vibrant topic. It’s clear that the future of African cinema holds exciting possibilities, and I can’t wait to see what new stories emerge.
Dr. Amina Kouyaté: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing this important facet of our culture. Let’s keep celebrating and supporting African cinema!
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! Stay tuned as we continue to cover the thrilling developments in African cinema and beyond.