Winner of several international awards,the feature film received the prestigious prize for “dialog of cultures between Islamic countries”,a distinction which was also awarded to the film “Paradise is under the feet of the mother” by Kyrgyz director Ruslan akun.
“The Slave” deals with relationships at work and the preponderant place they occupy in the individual and collective existence of people and societies and also looks at hierarchy, capitalism, class struggle, dehumanization and slavery at work.
In a statement to MAP on this occasion, Mr.Jaouhari saeid he was proud of the 12th international distinction won by the film,seeing it as a consecration of the place of moroccan cinema in Asia in general and in russia in particular.
“The 12th international prize awarded to the Slave by a major festival like that of Kazan is a source of pride for me as a director and a Moroccan. I offer this distinction to all Moroccans and to HM King Mohammed VI,” he said,highlighting the Sovereign’s wise policy in favor of Moroccan cinema.
this prize recognizes the place of Morocco and Moroccans in Asia in general and in the Russian Federation in particular, especially as Moroccan cinema is not sufficiently represented in Asia unlike Europe, North America and Africa, noted the Moroccan director.
In a statement read on his behalf by Moroccan director Jaouad Babili during the closing and awards ceremony, mr. El Jaouhari highlighted the role of cinema as “a vector of peace and harmony between people of the world.”
“This award will motivate me to make other films with messages that call for the cohesion of cultures, especially those of Islamic countries, and to express the unity of our muslim nations and their great message,” continued the Moroccan director. , whose prize was received on his behalf by Mr. Babili.
For its 20th edition, the festival saw the participation of filmmakers from 40 countries and presented a varied selection of 144 films, including 51 cinematographic works in official competition in the categories “Feature film”, “Short film”, “Long film documentary”, “Short documentaries” and “National Competition”, which includes works produced in Tatarstan.
The festival, also known as the “Kazan International Muslim Film Festival”, has been held since 2005. Its mission is to promote the exchange of experiences between professionals from the world of culture and arts from Russia and Muslim countries, by highlighting human, spiritual and moral values and also cultural traditions illustrated in the productions of Muslim filmmakers and other faiths.
The event,which has the motto “Towards the dialogue of cultures through the culture of dialogue”,was founded by the Council of Muftis of Russia,the federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography of Russia and the Ministry of Culture of Tatarstan with the support of the President of the Republic of tatarstan.
How can filmmakers use cinema as a tool for cultural dialog and understanding between different communities?
Interview with Award-Winning Moroccan Filmmaker on “The Slave” and the Role of Cinema in Cultural Dialogue
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us today. Your recent film, “The Slave,” has received significant international acclaim, including the prestigious prize for encouraging dialogue between Islamic countries at the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival. What does this recognition mean for you and for moroccan cinema?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Winning the 12th international prize for “The Slave” is not just a personal triumph; it also represents a vital moment for Moroccan cinema on the global stage, notably in Asia and Russia. It highlights that our storytelling and artistry resonate with a broader audience and aims to elevate Morocco’s cultural presence in regions where it has been underrepresented.
Editor: In your film, you tackle complex themes like capitalism, class struggle, and dehumanization at work. Why did you choose to focus on these topics, and how do they relate to the cultural dialogue you mentioned?
Expert: These themes are deeply embedded in our current societal structures. “The Slave” serves as a mirror to reflect the intricate relationships at work that define both individual and collective experiences. By showcasing the struggles and hierarchies present in various workplaces, I aim to spark dialogue about these critical issues, fostering a better understanding of their implications across cultures, especially within Islamic nations. Cinema can act as a powerful medium to share such messages of unity and empathy.
Editor: You mentioned in a statement that this prize will motivate you to create more films that promote cohesion among cultures. Can you elaborate on what kind of messages you hope to convey in your future projects?
Expert: Absolutely.I aspire to make films that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. By exploring themes of cultural unity and understanding, particularly within Muslim communities, my intention is to illustrate our shared human experiences.I believe that through storytelling,we can cultivate a greater thankfulness for our diverse backgrounds and ultimately contribute to peace and harmony worldwide.
Editor: The Kazan International Muslim Film festival is known for its diverse selection of films from various countries. In your opinion,what is the significance of such festivals in promoting cultural exchange?
Expert: Festivals like Kazan play a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and dialogue among filmmakers and audiences from different backgrounds. They serve as platforms for sharing diverse narratives that underscore shared human values, spirituality, and moral traditions. This fosters a multicultural understanding and collaboration that is essential in today’s globalized world.
Editor: As someone who leads in the filmmaking industry, what practical advice do you have for emerging filmmakers, especially in Morocco and similar contexts?
Expert: My advice for emerging filmmakers is to stay true to your unique voice and outlook.Engage deeply with your culture and the stories that resonate with you, as authenticity will always shine through in your work. Additionally, leverage platforms and festivals to showcase your films; these events can open doors to international collaborations and learning experiences. never underestimate the power of your message—filmmaking can be a transformative medium that can influence opinions and foster change.
Editor: Thank you for your insightful perspective on cinema’s role in cultural dialogue and your commitment to storytelling that unites people. We look forward to seeing your future projects and the impact they will have on audiences worldwide.
Expert: Thank you for the possibility to share my thoughts. I’m excited about what lies ahead and hope my work continues to inspire meaningful conversations.