Rabat celebrates auteur cinema under the sign of sustainability

Rabat welcomes until November 16 the 29th edition of the International Festival of auteur cinema (FICAR). The event adopts the slogan “7th sustainable art”, thus proving that cinema and festivals can also play a role in environmental protection. “Several ecological initiatives will be implemented during this edition, such as waste reduction, the use of recycled materials, and eco-responsible choices for the organization.” The 2024 edition highlights Jordanian cinema to celebrate the cultural and cinematic richness of the Arab world. “The richness of Jordanian cinematography, through its poignant stories and its distinctive visual culture, naturally finds its place in this edition.

In partnership with the Royal Film Commission – Jordaniewe offer a selection of films that reveal the diversity and depth of this expanding cinema, imbued with sincere stories and unique talents,” explains Malak Dahmouni, artistic director of FICAR. According to Abdelhaq Mantrach, president of the Rabat International Festival Association for Culture and the Arts, the Festival will also pay tribute to Palestinian cinema by screening short films including “From Point Zero” by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, in collaboration with the Palestinian embassy in Morocco. This film highlights the importance of Palestinian cinema, telling stories filmed under the pressure of war in varied formats between fiction, documentary and reporting. Another highlight of this edition is the presentation of several world premieres. In total, more than 150 international productions will be screened in Rabat during the International Festival of Auteur Cinema. Several of these films will compete in the international feature film category, the short film competition, and for the Critics’ Prize.

The selection of the feature film competition includes 12 films, including “The Lost Princess” by Moroccan director Hicham Hajji.

The jury for this competition is chaired by renowned Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, known for his exceptional cinematic creativity and numerous international accolades. He is supported by the Moroccan producer and distributor Asma Graimiche, the Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, the Canadian film critic Michel Coulombe, the Indian director Rintu Thomas, the Turkish producer and director Can Saraçoğlu, the Jordanian director Mohammed Houshki, as well as the director Kazakh Gulnara Sarsenova.

The jury for the short film competition is made up of Jordanian director Murad Abu Eisheh, Kazakh director Olga Korotko and Rashid Al Yafi’i, an emblematic figure of audiovisual in Oman. Furthermore, the Critics’ Prize will be awarded by Viera Langerová, member of the International Federation of Cinematographic Press (FIPRESCI), Ruggero Calich, member of the Turkish Cinema Writers Association and FIPRESCI, and the Moroccan critic Abdelali Maâzouz.