1. How did you enter the field of film criticism and what are the challenges this field faces?
Film criticism is an artistic field that I enjoy and feel comfortable in. Since I was young, I watched cinematographic works with a critical eye, while spontaneously noting the positive and negative points of the film. Later, I decided to continue my studies in this field and make it my profession.
Regarding the challenges facing this field, it should first be noted that there are two fundamental principles of film criticism, namely objectivity and impartiality in mentioning the negative and positive points of the work. I also find that the field does not receive the necessary attention in film festivals, as most of them do not care about critics and the role of film criticism. Festivals should pay more attention to critics, as they are the link between the filmmaker and his audience, and have an important role in the development of the film industry.
2. In your view as a critic, what are the main characteristics of a good film?
A film must be perfectly complete, whether in terms of the idea, the actors or the direction. If all these elements are present, I focus more on the script which touches me most often. I consider the film to be good when the idea of the script seems clear to me. For me, having a good script has favorable repercussions on all the elements of the film.
Furthermore, if the film comes up with innovative ideas, and the director is bold in his approach to dealing with new ideas and new subjects far from traditional ideas, it creates a beautiful work of cinema.
3. What is your view of the field of film criticism between yesterday and today?
There is a difference between film criticism of yesterday and today. Currently, social networks have greatly facilitated communication between critics, filmmakers and the public, whereas before the critic had difficulty reaching the public.
However, this openness on the Internet means that many people present on social networks allow themselves to do film criticism without being familiar with the field.
4. What is your assessment of the film industry in Africa?
The film industry in Africa is on the right track and moving in the right direction. Indeed, some countries in the south of the continent have developed an interesting film industry. They deal in their productions with subjects, problems and phenomena that their societies suffer from. Consequently, the 7th art has become a mirror of society, its customs and traditions.
As for North Africa, I find that there is a strong cinematographic movement in some countries, but these are more individual attempts. Egypt, for example, whose film industry has been in decline in recent years, is currently trying to come back to the forefront of the cinematographic scene.
At the Moroccan level, many Moroccan cinematographic works participate in international festivals, including the “Cannes” festival this year, which will see the participation of Moroccans and Egyptians. In addition, many Arab critics are usually present at international film festivals.
Furthermore, African cinema generally suffers from funding problems, due to the lack of financial support from States for the film industry. I take this opportunity to appeal to governments to support films and thus promote the creativity of filmmakers on the African continent.
5. What do you think about the place of Arab women in African cinema?
Arab societies are still to some extent dominated by men. Thus, Arab women will not have all their rights on the African film scene. For example, in Egyptian cinema we see that most of the heroes of films are men and not women, and this is because society favors men more. We can therefore say that the image of the Arab woman in cinema will evolve with the evolution of women in society.
2024-08-19 18:04:18