“The Burdened,” a poignant film by Yemeni filmmaker Amr Jamal, won the grand prize at the Casablanca Arab Film Festival among twelve films in the running at this fifth edition, held from September 6 to 13.
As for the jury prize, it was awarded to the film “Jalaldine” by Moroccan filmmaker Hassan Benjelloun. This film, carried by a cast composed mainly of Moroccan actor Yassine Ahjjam and Tunisian actress Fatma Nasser, tells the story of Jalal Eddine who cannot accept the death of his wife and decides to isolate himself until he finds the light within himself. Twenty years later, Jalal Eddine becomes a Sufi master who lives with his disciples. The prize for best male performance was also awarded to Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri for his role in the film “The Teacher”, the first feature film by director Farah Nabulsi.
The award for best actress went to Tunisian actress Amina Ben Smaïl for her role in the film “D’entre deux” directed by her compatriot Nada Mezni Hafaiedh. As for the award for best screenplay, it went to the Iraqi film “Baghdad Messi” directed by filmmaker Sahim Omar Kalifa. The award for best direction went to Saudi director, producer and writer Ali Al-Kalthami for his film “Night Courier” (Mandoub Al Layl).
