The National Festival of Cinema and History in Marrakech successfully concluded its second edition, which took place from May 20 to May 24, under the theme "Cinema and the Old City." This year's program was a rich tapestry of cinematic screenings, intellectual seminars, training workshops, and open dialogues featuring key figures in the cultural and cinematic fields. The festival was managed by the writer and researcher Amal Abbasi, who curated a diverse array of activities aimed at celebrating the intersection of cinema and historical narratives.
Among the highlights of this edition was the honoring of Moroccan artist Mohamed Miftah. Additionally, the film "The Thread of the Soul" directed by Hakim Belabbas was showcased, delving into themes of self, memory, and identity through a poignant visual and humanistic lens. During the tribute segment, film critic and journalist Hassan Nraiss recounted significant moments from Miftah's artistic journey, reflecting on his roles in both cinema and Arab drama.
The festival also commenced with a tribute to artist Rabi Al-Qati, who presented the film "The Lovers' Awakening" directed by Kamal Kamal. This film evokes popular memory and social transformations within Moroccan society, further enriching the festival's exploration of cultural narratives.
Moreover, the program included artistic workshops held in educational institutions across Marrakech, led by artist Habib Ahmedan and film critic Bouabkar Lahiji. These workshops focused on issues related to image, visual writing, and performance techniques, aiming to engage the younger generation in the cinematic arts.
On the intellectual front, the festival hosted a master class entitled "Cinema and the Memory of the City," featuring writer and president of the Cinema and Memory Festival in Nador, Abdel Salam Boutib, alongside the president of the Marrakech Cinema and History Festival, Mustafa Ghalam. Participants engaged in discussions about the relationship between cinema and the collective memory of cities, highlighting the critical role of film in preserving historical narratives.
The event also featured a national symposium on "The Representation of the Old City in Moroccan Cinema," which included contributions from critics and researchers such as Ashraf Al-Hassani, Abdel Samad Kabass, and Rashid Naim. The session was moderated by researcher Abdel Latif Laqlida and focused on the portrayal of the old city within Moroccan cinema as a space for memory and social change.
In addition, the program included the presentation of the book "Bjaad... The Architectural and Urban Heritage of the Old City" by engineer Abdel Ghani Khaldoun, with contributions from Mohamed Ait Lamim and Mohamed Salah Bouchtla. The festival also featured the narrative film "Little Joys" directed by Mohamed Rashid Al-Tarbiq, which was discussed in a session led by film critic Mohamed Ashouika.
As reported by hespress.com.
