In the beating heart of the Kingdom of Morocco, the effervescent city of Rabat stands as a bastion of creativity and intellect, set to play host to the esteemed 29th iteration of the International Author Film Festival, a celebration of artistry and innovation set to grace the city from the 8th to the 16th of November.
The festival’s theme for this year, “Sustainable 7th Art,” underscores the significance of cinema in environmental preservation. FICAR has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives to align with this theme, including the use of recycled materials, waste reduction, and eco-conscious organisational practices. The 2024 edition emphasises Jordanian cinema as a means of commemorating the Arab world’s extensive cultural and cinematic heritage. Jordanian films are an ideal selection for this year’s festival due to their distinctive visual style and emotive narratives.
An esteemed jury, composed of luminaries from the international film community, including renowned Filipino director Brillante Mendoza and Moroccan producer Asmae Graimiche, will preside over the festival, bringing their wealth of creative vision and expertise to the forefront. Additionally, masterclasses led by distinguished directors and producers will offer invaluable insights and inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals, enriching the cinematic tapestry of the festival with a wealth of knowledge and artistic exchange.
The festival promises a captivating array of high-calibre competitions, featuring world cinema, documentaries, and short films that explore the complexities of human existence. With curated screenings for children and youth from diverse cultural backgrounds, the festival serves as a platform for provocative storytelling that transcends borders and sparks meaningful dialogue on pressing societal issues.
According to Abdelhak Mantrach, the president of the Rabat International Film Festival, the 29th edition of the festival features the participation of 42 countries. “Furthermore, the festival opening up with a movie from Cannes depicts the meaningful relationship between these two festivals,” said Mr. Mantrach.
Among the revered masters bestowed with this prestigious honour were the venerable Burkinabe director Gaston Kaboré; the visionary Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch; and the distinguished French director Jean-Pierre Amris. We lauded these cinematic visionaries for their unparalleled creativity, innovative storytelling, and profound impact on the world of film.
Films like Summer Day (Jour d’été) directed by Faouzi Bensaïdi, a Moroccan film director, actor, screenwriter, and artist; The Silence of the Violins (Le Silence des Violons) directed by Saâd Chraïbi; Triple A directed by Jihane Bahar from Morocco; The Umesh Chronicles directed by Pooja Kaul; Under the Grey Sky directed by Katarzyna Ocioszyńska; and Taxi Monamour directed by Ciro De Caro will compete with each other while bringing the great diversity on the wide spectrum of the film industry.
Additionally, this event will honour Palestinian cinema by presenting a selection of emotional short films. Numerous films screened during this edition represent the festival’s prestigious competitions, including the international feature film category, the short film competition, and the Critics’ Prize.
In a world where cinema looks for audiences and big-budget films follow commercialism, the Rabat International Author Film Festival stands for the unique sense of individuality and independence where the real voice of societies can be articulated by the ones who dare to narrate and the ones who have the ability to view them deeply.
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