The Marrakech International Film Festival, a prestigious cinematic celebration, saw its brilliance enhanced this year by the distinction of a Moroccan work, a first in the festival’s history. During its 20th edition, which took place from November 24 to December 2, Moroccan director Asmae El Moudir was awarded the Golden Star for her documentary "Kadib Abyad" (The Mother of All Lies), marking a historic turning point for Moroccan cinema.
Asmae El Moudir, aged 32, captivated the jury and audience with a deeply personal and innovative work. The film delves into the depths of family secrets and, by extension, sheds light on the shadows of Morocco’s contemporary history, particularly during the Years of Lead under the reign of Hassan II. Faced with a lack of visual archives, El Moudir demonstrated remarkable creativity by using a detailed model of her childhood neighborhood in Casablanca, complete with figurines, to narrate this charged family past. This artistic approach also serves as a backdrop to address the tragic Bread Riots of June 1981 in Casablanca, which were bloodily suppressed.
The jury president, Jessica Chastain, praised El Moudir’s work, highlighting the importance of collective memory in preserving history, even in the face of attempts at erasure. This recognition is not isolated, as the documentary had already been honored in May at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the directing award in the “Un Certain Regard” selection.
The festival also saw other significant awards. The jury prize was jointly awarded to Kamal Lazraq for "Les meutes" and to Lina Soualem for "Bye-Bye Tiberias." The latter film, exploring the life of Franco-Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, is particularly poignant. Lina Soualem, in a recorded message, dedicated her award to Palestinians seeking their place in the world while calling for an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the scene of recent conflict.
Moreover, "Banel" and "Adama" by Ramata-Toulaye Sy were recognized for direction, while the acting awards were won by Asja Zara Lagumdzija for “Excursion” and Doga Karakas for "Dormitory."
This edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, though marked by sobriety due to tensions in Gaza, remains a landmark event in the global cinematic landscape, highlighting the growing importance of African and Middle Eastern cinema on the international stage.
With AFP
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