The 21st edition of the Tarifa African Cinema Festival (FCAT) began with fanfare on Friday May 24 with the inauguration of the Senegalese film “Banel & Adama”, directed by Rama Abdoulaye Sy. This prestigious event was celebrated in Tangier thanks to a partnership with the Instituto Cervantes in the Moroccan city and the support of the Spanish Embassy in Rabat.
The inauguration took place during a gala evening held in the historic setting of the Alcázar Cinema, built in 1913 and emblematic of Spanish-language film screenings, in Tangier, at the time of the Spanish Protectorate. The opening evening was marked by the presence of notable personalities such as José Antonio Santos Perea, mayor of Tarifa, Mounir Laymouri, mayor of Tangier. As well as representatives of the Instituto Cervantes of Tangier and the AECID.
Festive and musical atmosphere
The festive atmosphere was provided by Tangier artist Mouna Diaj, accompanied by local musicians, offering guests an evening rich in music and culture, with exchanges in Spanish, French and Darija.
“Banel & Adama” is a historic film, the first feature film directed by a sub-Saharan woman, Ramata-Toulaye Sy, a Franco-Senegalese director. Its choice as the opening film of FCAT 2024 testifies to the diversity and richness of African cinema, highlighting voices and stories that are often underrepresented.
Before the official kick-off of the FCAT in Tangier, a morning meeting entitled “Maghrebi actors: opening up internationally” was organized, offering valuable advice to Moroccan actors on how to get involved in international productions .
Events alongside the films
Alongside film screenings, the festival also offers literary events, including the “Entre les Lignes” literary walks, which offer participants a dive into the history and culture of Tangier through works that have inspired major films related to this city.
The current edition of Between the Lines brings together personalities from the world of cinema and literature, offering participants a unique experience where words mingle on screen to tell the love stories between writers, filmmakers and the city from Tangier.
