The opening ceremony of this event, under the theme “Cinema and migrant rights” and which will continue until November 25, took place in a festive atmosphere, in the presence of filmmakers, actors, directors and producers from the cinematographic world, as well as a public passionate about the seventh art.
It was marked in particular by a tribute paid to three great figures of cinema, namely the Franco-Moroccan director, producer and screenwriter Mohamed Fekrane, the French director Patrick Attali, and the Moroccan actress Adly Khadija.
Twelve films are competing for this edition’s prizes, representing Morocco, Tunisia, France, Italy, Belgium, Iraq, Jordan and Syria.
According to the organizers, four feature films and eight short films are in the running for the two official competitions of this edition.
The jury for feature and short films, chaired by Moroccan director Fatima Boubakdi, is made up of Moroccan actor Brice Thami Bexter, poet and critic Yahya Amara, artistic director of the Verona Festival in Italy Buemi Giusy, and Belgian actor Lambrix Vincent Joseph.
In an opening speech, the director of the festival and president of the organizing association, Abdellatif Driffi, stressed that this event represents a real opportunity to celebrate cinematographic art, widely popular throughout the world, noting that this popularity has transformed cinema into a powerful means of improving communication and convergence between different cultures.
Mr. Driffi said that in addition to the screening of films, the festival program includes three master classes, a scientific conference under the theme “Cinema and Human Rights”, as well as workshops on cinema professions. .
For his part, Youness Lahri, Moroccan actor and director residing in Belgium, and artistic director of the festival, indicated that this event is now mature and enjoys a strong presence on the Moroccan cultural scene, highlighting the enthusiasm of the inhabitants from the city of Oujda and their massive influx to the festival.
He also highlighted the international character of the festival which attracts politicians, intellectuals and personalities from various backgrounds to discuss migration issues, in parallel with the screening of carefully selected films to raise public awareness of this complex phenomenon, which is at the heart of international news.
As for the regional director of Culture of the Oriental, Sabah Bay Bay, she noted the importance of this cinematographic event, which is a cultural and artistic project aimed at strengthening the rapprochement between cultures and peoples through the seventh art.
She, on this occasion, highlighted the interest shown by HM King Mohammed VI in the issue of migration and the Moroccan diaspora, recalling, in this sense, the speech delivered by HM the King on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Green March, in which the Sovereign announced the creation of the Mohammedia Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad (MRE).
She also indicated that the Ministry of Culture has developed a promising project, with a view to breathing new dynamism into the national seventh art and reconciling the broad public, particularly young people, with cinemas, noting that this project resulted in the opening of 150 cinemas across the national territory as part of the ”New cultural service” aimed at filling the gap recorded in terms of cinematographic offerings.
This cultural event, which will also be punctuated by the signing of publications on immigration, is organized in partnership with the Regional Directorate of Culture of the Oriental, with the support of the wilaya of the Oriental region, of the Center of Moroccan cinematography (CCM), the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans living abroad, the Oriental Development Agency (ADO), the Mohammed Premier University (UMP), the provincial and municipal councils of Oujda-Angad, and other partners.
What are the key themes being addressed at this year’s film festival focused on “Cinema and Migrant Rights”?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Festival Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent film festival that’s been generating a lot of buzz, particularly with its focus on “Cinema and Migrant Rights.” Can you start by giving us an overview of the festival and its significance?
Expert: Thank you for having me! The festival, which runs until November 25, is an essential platform for celebrating cinematic art while addressing critical social issues. This year’s theme highlights the intersection of cinema and migrant rights, a topic that resonates deeply in today’s global context. It’s a vibrant gathering that not only showcases films but also fosters dialog among artists, politicians, and activists regarding the complexities of migration.
Editor: It sounds like an incredible event. I read about the opening ceremony which included tributes to influential figures in cinema. Why is it crucial to honor individuals like Mohamed Fekrane, Patrick Attali, and Adly Khadija in this context?
Expert: Honoring these figures reinforces the importance of representation in cinema, particularly for marginalized narratives. Filmmakers like Fekrane and Attali have explored themes of identity, belonging, and exile in their works, which aligns perfectly with the festival’s focus. Recognizing their contributions not only celebrates their artistry but also emphasizes the power of storytelling in advocating for human rights and enriching our understanding of migration.
Editor: That’s a powerful point. The festival includes films from a diverse set of countries: Morocco, Tunisia, France, and others. How does this international representation enhance the festival’s impact?
Expert: Diversity in storytelling is crucial when addressing universal themes like migration. By showcasing films from various countries, the festival allows audiences to gain multiple perspectives on shared experiences. This cultural exchange fosters empathy and understanding, and helps to bridge gaps between different communities. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we share common challenges and aspirations.
Editor: Indeed, that collective understanding can be transformative. The festival also includes master classes, workshops, and conferences. Why are these additional components important?
Expert: They serve to educate and engage the public further. Master classes and workshops allow emerging filmmakers to learn from established professionals, while the scientific conference on “Cinema and Human Rights” offers a scholarly approach to discussing cinema’s role in advocacy. These components ensure that the festival is not just about viewing films, but also about nurturing talent and promoting critical discourse around pressing social issues.
Editor: You mentioned the enthusiasm of the local community in Oujda for the festival. How does community engagement play a role in the festival’s success?
Expert: Community engagement is vital. When local residents actively participate, it creates a sense of ownership and pride in the event. The massive turnout reflects a community eager to engage with important themes through the medium of film. This dynamic fosters a lively atmosphere and enhances the festival’s capacity to make a real impact within and beyond Oujda.
Editor: As the artistic director of the festival, Youness Lahri emphasized the international character of the event. Can you speak to the importance of having audience members from various backgrounds and disciplines at the festival?
Expert: Absolutely! The presence of politicians, intellectuals, and artists creates a rich dialog that transcends the screen. This eclectic mix enriches the viewing experience and allows for an exchange of ideas that can influence policy and societal change. The festival becomes a melting pot for discussing solutions to the challenges surrounding migration and human rights, making it a pivotal forum for change.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! It’s clear that this film festival is more than just an artistic event; it’s a dynamic platform for advocacy and cultural exchange. As we wrap up, what do you hope will come from this year’s festival?
Expert: I hope it will inspire greater awareness and action around migration issues, and encourage filmmakers to continue telling impactful stories. Ultimately, I believe that fostering empathy through cinema can lead to tangible change in how society views and treats migrants. The festival is just the beginning of these crucial conversations.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your expertise today. It’s been enlightening discussing the festival’s significance, and I’m sure many are eager to see how it unfolds in the coming weeks!