Friday, May 31, 2024 at 6:37 p.m.
Essaouira – Professionals of the 7th art from Morocco and elsewhere delivered, Friday in Essaouira, shared perspectives on exile as a Source of artistic inspiration, during a round table organized as part of the activities of the first edition of the “Esther and Salma” Film Festival, which continues until June 1st.
This meeting of cinematographic and intellectual exploration, enhanced by the presence of the Advisor to His Majesty the King and founding President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, Mr. André Azoulay, the president of the Essaouira Municipal Council, Tarik Ottmani, and other Moroccan and foreign personalities from various backgrounds, was the opportunity to discuss in depth the relationship between exile and artistic creation, while highlighting the crucial role of cinema in the reflection and representation of these realities .
Speaking at this meeting held under the theme “the ordeal of exile in cinema throughout the world”, the artistic director of the festival, Catherine Becker, underlined the centrality of the theme of exile in the context of this edition , highlighting the importance of exploring how experiences of displacement influence and enrich cinematic and artistic creation.
Ms. Becker also highlighted the diversity of perspectives offered by the participating filmmakers and actors, who, thanks to their varied backgrounds, bring deep and nuanced reflections on the realities and challenges linked to exile, affirming that the festival aims to create a space for dialogue and understanding, where art becomes a powerful means of connection and sharing of human experiences.
For her part, Moroccan actress Latifa Ahrar highlighted the fundamental role of cinema as a vector of memory and projection into the future.
By sharing her personal reflections, she spoke of her own experience marked by frequent travel, highlighting the impact of these experiences on her perception of cinema.
“Cinema and cultural transmission contribute to recreating a sense of belonging and maintaining our collective heritage,” she observed, adding that she found refuge in literature and theater, fields which gave her allowed us to deepen our understanding of human nature.
For his part, Hamid Fardjad, filmmaker of Iranian origin, offered insight into his migratory journey to Europe before settling down in Morocco, thus revealing the challenges and opportunities arising from this major transition in his life.
With a track record including several international achievements, Mr. Fardjad explained how these experiences of exile opened up new perspectives on economic and political mechanisms, thus enriching his artistic sensitivity and his understanding of the world.
Speaking in turn, Moroccan actress Soumaya Akaaboune highlighted the importance of exile and displacement in her artistic development, sharing poignant anecdotes about the different cultures and experiences that enriched her perspective and nourished her acting. of actress.
She also discussed how her Moroccan roots continue to influence and support her creative approach, even abroad, expressing her belief that art can transcend borders and create bridges between people.
Saena Sadighian-Delacroix, a French artist and author of Iranian origin, recounted her journey of rediscovery of her cultural roots, detailing how her period spent in Paris, surrounded by people from diverse origins, was a Source inspiration for his creativity and artistic projects.
With this in mind, she highlighted the complexity and richness of the exile experience, evoking the multiple facets and the dynamics of artistic creation that result from it.
Other speakers looked in turn at the various dimensions of exile and artistic creation, offering a rich and varied panorama of each person’s experiences and reflections.
Furthermore, they explored the emotional and psychological impacts of exile, the challenges of integrating into new cultures, and how these experiences shape and enrich their artistic work.
