The Best Director Award went to Japanese Ryusuke Hamaguchi for his film “Evil Does Not Exist”, who also won the Best Male Role award thanks to the performance of actor Hitoshi Omika. Best screenplay prize was awarded to the film “Hit the road” by director Panan Panahi.
The best female role was won by Iranian actress Pantea Panahiha for her role in the film “Hit the road”.
As for the grand prize in the official documentary film competition, this was awarded to the film “La ferme de Bertrand” by its French director Gilles Perret.
The Jury Prize was reserved for the documentary film “Omi Nobu-the New Man” by its Cape Verdean director Carlos Yuri Ceuninck. The jury of this competition gave a special mention to “The River” by director Dominique Marchais from France.
During this edition which gave pride of place to mountain cinema as a catalyst for development, a tribute was paid to the filmmaker Mohamed Abderrahmane Tazi, the actress Naima Lemcharki and the screenwriter and actor of Amazigh cinema Ahmed Ntama in recognition of their sacrifices and their distinguished professional and personal journeys in the service of the influence of the 7th Moroccan art.
Spectators and residents of Ouzoud benefited over five days from an open-air screening under the stars, an original and strong concept which aims to bring cinema closer to the inhabitants of this locality nestled in the peaks of Azilal.
A rich and diverse cinematic program was offered to lovers and enthusiasts of the seventh art including the screening of legendary Moroccan films such as “Lalla Houbi”, “Al billion”, “Histoire d’un wrestler mchaouch” and much more.
The program was also punctuated by artistic evenings hosted by local folk groups on the public square of Ouzoud as well as by field visits aimed at introducing participants and visitors to the region and its tangible and intangible heritage.
In addition to the film screenings, the festival program was marked by the organization of a series of seminars and debates on subjects relating to cinema and on the means of making it a lever for regional development by taking advantage natural and heritage assets of the region in the cinematographic and television fields.
Likewise, a memorandum of understanding for the training of young people in the Ouzoud region in digital professions and specialties as part of the generalization of the “JobinTech” program was signed. A second agreement was signed so that the Aliph International Foundation for the Protection of Heritage contributes to the restoration of Zaouiat Taneghmalt.
A series of recommendations were formulated at the end of this cinematographic event, including the organization of meetings to encourage reflection and creativity on mountain areas and the conclusion of partnership agreements with those responsible for film festivals. international institutions, as well as with higher education establishments.
The official competition saw the screening of internationally renowned feature films, short films and documentary films produced in 2023 and 2024, in the presence of prestigious guests from Africa, Europe and Asia.
The 2nd edition of this festival which aims to promote the 7th art as a lever for local economic and social development is part of the High Royal Guidelines aimed at promoting and protecting the cultural heritage of Morocco and raising public awareness of environmental issues. and the need to preserve natural heritage and promote sustainable development initiatives in rural areas throughout the Kingdom.