Thus, at the Lutetia Ciné-Théâtre, the public was treated to this work by Mr. Laraki, reconstructing in images a crucial period in national history, namely the struggle for independence.
The film tells the story of Kamal, 11 years old, son of a modest artisan in the medina of Fez, who is living out the last months of the country under French protectorate. Driven by a platonic love for his neighbor on the terrace, 18-year-old Aïcha engaged alongside his fellow student-resisters from Al Quaraouiyine University, Kamal discovers and participates with them in the fight for independence and the return of Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef.
“Through this film, I wanted to offer a unique vision of the last months of the struggle for independence, through the character of Kamal, an 11-year-old child. This choice allows spectators, whether Moroccans or foreigners , to connect with history in a human and universal way”, underlined Mr. Laraki, in a statement to MAP.
And added: “I am particularly touched by the reception that the film has received, whether in Morocco or abroad, in film clubs or faculties”, explaining that this testifies to the continued relevance of these questions and the power of the seventh art to raise awareness, through stories anchored in our collective heritage.
“We are delighted to be screened again in this magnificent cinema with a feature film which was very popular with the public, telling the story of a child, Kamal, who discovers the struggle for independence during summer of 1955”, underlined, for her part, Caroline Locardi Laraki, producer of the feature film.
“After a successful run in international festivals and in Morocco, this screening, on the occasion of the Fête du Cinéma, allows us to reach an audience who has not yet had the opportunity to discover the film, especially thanks to a price accessible to all,” she continued, in a similar statement.
She added that the context is of particular importance, because “Fez Summer 55 is projected one year, to the day, after the tragic earthquake, and it tells us about the resilience of the Moroccan people united behind their Sovereign.”
The Cinema Festival, initiated by the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM) and the Moroccan Chamber of Cinemas, and orchestrated by the Nelio Agency, offers the general public an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the seventh art in all its forms.
This major event marks its first edition by offering a single price of 30 DH per screening in the various cinemas across the country, thus making cinema accessible to all, according to the organizers of this event.